Charging Control for Standalone Non-Public Network

ABSTRACT

A session management function (SMF) sends, to a policy control function (PCF), a policy request message comprising a network identifier for a non-public network (NPN) and a PLMN identifier for the NPN. The SMF receives, from the PCF, a policy response message comprising a charging control policy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 17/588,554,filed Jan. 31, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. Application No.17/166,179, filed Feb. 3, 2021, which is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2020/025696, filed Mar. 30, 2020, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/826,486, filed Mar. 29,2019, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of several of the various embodiments of the present disclosureare described herein with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example 5G system architecture as per anaspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example 5G System architecture as per anaspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a system diagram of an example wireless device and a networknode in a 5G system as per an aspect of an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a system diagram of an example network nodes as per an aspectof an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B depict two registration management state models inUE 100 and AMF 155 as per an aspect of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B depict two connection management state models in UE100 and AMF 155 as per an aspect of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is diagram for classification and marking traffic as per anaspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is an example call flow for registration procedure asper an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example 5G policy and charging control systemarchitecture as per an aspect of an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is an example call flow for PDU session establishment chargingas per an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is an example diagram depicting a non-public network may bedeployed as part of a PLMN, and FIG. 12B is an example diagram depictinga non-public network may be isolated from a PLMN as per an aspect of anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A is an example diagram depicting a non-public network maycomprise only one CAG, and FIG. 13B is an example diagram depicting anon-public network may comprise more than one CAGs as per an aspect ofan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an example diagram depicting UEs access different serviceprovider PLMNs via a non-public network as per an aspect of anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an example call flow as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an example diagram depicting the procedures of PCF as per anaspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an example diagram depicting the procedures of SMF as per anaspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is an example call flow as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an example call flow as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 is an example call flow as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Example embodiments of the present invention enable implementation ofenhanced features and functionalities in 5G systems. More particularly,the embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may relate tocharging control for non-public network (e.g. for 5G or futurecommunication system). Throughout the present disclosure, UE, wirelessdevice, and mobile device are used interchangeably. Throughout thepresent disclosure, base station, (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN), NextGeneration Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), New radio Node B (gNB), NextGeneration eNodeB (ng-eNBs) are used interchangeably.

The following acronyms are used throughout the present disclosure:

5G 5th generation mobile networks 5GC 5G Core Network 5GS 5G System5G-AN 5G Access Network 5QI 5G QoS Indicator AF Application FunctionAMBR Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate AMF Access and Mobility ManagementFunction AN Access Network AUSF Authentication Server Function ARPAllocation and Retention Priority BD Billing Domain CAG Closed AccessGroup CDR Charging Data Record CHF Charging Function CN Core Network CPControl Plane DL Downlink DN Data Network DNN Data Network Name FDDFrequency Division Duplex FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name GPSI GenericPublic Subscription Identifier GW Gateway HTTP Hypertext TransferProtocol ID Identifier IMS IP Multimedia core network Subsystem IPInternet Protocol IP-CAN IP Connectivity Access Network L2 Layer 2 (datalink layer) L3 Layer 3 (network layer) LADN Local Area Data Network LANlocal area network MAC Media Access Control MCC Mobile Country Codes MNCMobile Network Codes MICO Mobile Initiated Connection Only N3IWFNon-3GPP InterWorking Function NAS Non Access Stratum NAT Networkaddress translation NEF Network Exposure Function NF Network Function NRNew Radio NG-RAN NR Radio Access Network NPN Non-Public Network NRFNetwork Repository Function NSI Network Slice Instance NSSAI NetworkSlice Selection Assistance Information NSSF Network Slice SelectionFunction NWDAF Network Data Analytics Function OAM OperationAdministration and Maintenance PCC Policy and Charging Control PCFPolicy Control Function PDU Packet Data Unit PEI Permanent EquipmentIdentifier PLMN Public Land Mobile Network QCI QoS Class Identifier QFIQoS Flow Identifier QoS Quality of Service RA Random Access RAN RadioAccess Network RAT Radio Access Technology RRC Radio Resource Control RMRegistration Management SBA Service Based Architecture SIB SystemInformation Block SM Session Management SMF Session Management FunctionSMSF SMS Function S-NSSAI Single Network Slice Selection Assistanceinformation SP Service Provider SS Synchronization Signal SSC Sessionand Service Continuity SUPI Subscriber Permanent Identifier TA TrackingArea TAI Tracking Area Identity UDR Unified Data Repository UDM UnifiedData Management UE User Equipment UL Uplink UPF User Plane Function

Example FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict a 5G system comprising of accessnetworks and 5G core network. An example 5G access network may comprisean access network connecting to a 5G core network. An access network maycomprise an NG-RAN 105 and/or non-3GPP AN 165. An example 5G corenetwork may connect to one or more 5G access networks 5G-AN and/orNG-RANs. 5G core network may comprise functional elements or networkfunctions as in example FIG. 1 and example FIG. 2 where interfaces maybe employed for communication among the functional elements and/ornetwork elements.

In an example, a network function may be a processing function in anetwork, which may have a functional behavior and/or interfaces. Anetwork function may be implemented either as a network element on adedicated hardware, and/or a network node as depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG.4 , or as a software instance running on a dedicated hardware and/orshared hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on anappropriate platform.

In an example, access and mobility management function, AMF 155, mayinclude the following functionalities (some of the AMF 155functionalities may be supported in a single instance of an AMF 155):termination of RAN 105 CP interface (N2), termination of NAS (N1), NASciphering and integrity protection, registration management, connectionmanagement, reachability management, mobility management, lawfulintercept (for AMF 155 events and interface to LI system), providetransport for session management, SM messages between UE 100 and SMF160, transparent proxy for routing SM messages, access authentication,access authorization, provide transport for SMS messages between UE 100and SMSF, security anchor function, SEA, interaction with the AUSF 150and the UE 100, receiving the intermediate key established as a resultof the UE 100 authentication process, security context management, SCM,that receives a key from the SEA that it uses to derive access networkspecific keys, and/or the like.

In an example, the AMF 155 may support non-3GPP access networks throughN2 interface with N3IWF 170, NAS signaling with a UE 100 over N3IWF 170,authentication of UEs connected over N3IWF 170, management of mobility,authentication, and separate security context state(s) of a UE 100connected via non-3GPP access 165 or connected via 3GPP access 105 andnon-3GPP access 165 simultaneously, support of a coordinated RM contextvalid over 3GPP access 105 and non 3GPP access 165, support of CMmanagement contexts for the UE 100 for connectivity over non-3GPPaccess, and/or the like.

In an example, an AMF 155 region may comprise one or multiple AMF 155sets. The AMF 155 set may comprise some AMF 155 that serve a given areaand/or network slice(s). In an example, multiple AMF 155 sets may be perAMF 155 region and/or network slice(s). Application identifier may be anidentifier that may be mapped to a specific application trafficdetection rule. Configured NSSAI may be an NSSAI that may be provisionedin a UE 100. DN 115 access identifier (DNAI), for a DNN, may be anidentifier of a user plane access to a DN 115. Initial registration maybe related to a UE 100 registration in RM-DEREGISTERED 500, 520 states.N2AP UE 100 association may be a logical per UE 100 association betweena 5G AN node and an AMF 155. N2AP UE-TNLA-binding may be a bindingbetween a N2AP UE 100 association and a specific transport networklayer, TNL association for a given UE 100.

In an example, session management function, SMF 160, may include one ormore of the following functionalities (one or more of the SMF 160functionalities may be supported in a single instance of an SMF 160):session management (e.g. session establishment, modify and release,including tunnel maintain between UPF 110 and AN 105 node), UE 100 IPaddress allocation & management (including optional authorization),selection and control of UP function(s), configuration of trafficsteering at UPF 110 to route traffic to proper destination, terminationof interfaces towards policy control functions, control part of policyenforcement and QoS. lawful intercept (for SM events and interface to LISystem), termination of SM parts of NAS messages, downlink datanotification, initiation of AN specific SM information, sent via AMF 155over N2 to (R)AN 105, determination of SSC mode of a session, roamingfunctionality, handling local enforcement to apply QoS SLAs (VPLMN),charging data collection and charging interface (VPLMN), lawfulintercept (in VPLMN for SM events and interface to LI System), supportfor interaction with external DN 115 for transport of signaling for PDUsession authorization/authentication by external DN 115, and/or thelike.

In an example, a user plane function, UPF 110, may include one or moreof the following functionalities (some of the UPF 110 functionalitiesmay be supported in a single instance of a UPF 110): anchor point forIntra-/Inter-RAT mobility (when applicable), external PDU session pointof interconnect to DN 115, packet routing & forwarding, packetinspection and user plane part of policy rule enforcement, lawfulintercept (UP collection), traffic usage reporting, uplink classifier tosupport routing traffic flows to a data network, branching point tosupport multi-homed PDU session(s), QoS handling for user plane, uplinktraffic verification (SDF to QoS flow mapping), transport level packetmarking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering, downlinkdata notification triggering, and/or the like.

In an example, the UE 100 IP address management may include allocationand release of the UE 100 IP address and/or renewal of the allocated IPaddress. The UE 100 may set a requested PDU type during a PDU sessionestablishment procedure based on its IP stack capabilities and/orconfiguration. In an example, the SMF 160 may select PDU type of a PDUsession. In an example, if the SMF 160 receives a request with PDU typeset to IP, the SMF 160 may select PDU type IPv4 or IPv6 based on DNNconfiguration and/or operator policies. In an example, the SMF 160 mayprovide a cause value to the UE 100 to indicate whether the other IPversion is supported on the DNN. In an example, if the SMF 160 receivesa request for PDU type IPv4 or IPv6 and the requested IP version issupported by the DNN the SMF 160 may select the requested PDU type.

In an example embodiment, the 5GC elements and UE 100 may support thefollowing mechanisms: during a PDU session establishment procedure, theSMF 160 may send the IP address to the UE 100 via SM NAS signaling. TheIPv4 address allocation and/or IPv4 parameter configuration via DHCPv4may be employed once PDU session may be established. IPv6 prefixallocation may be supported via IPv6 stateless autoconfiguration, ifIPv6 is supported. In an example, 5GC network elements may support IPv6parameter configuration via stateless DHCPv6.

The 5GC may support the allocation of a static IPv4 address and/or astatic IPv6 prefix based on subscription information in a UDM 140 and/orbased on the configuration on a per-subscriber, per-DNN basis.

User plane function(s) (UPF 110) may handle the user plane path of PDUsessions. A UPF 110 that provides the interface to a data network maysupport functionality of a PDU session anchor.

In an example, a policy control function, PCF 135, may support unifiedpolicy framework to govern network behavior, provide policy rules tocontrol plane function(s) to enforce policy rules, implement a front endto access subscription information relevant for policy decisions in auser data repository (UDR), and/or the like.

A network exposure function, NEF 125, may provide means to securelyexpose the services and capabilities provided by the 3GPP networkfunctions, translate between information exchanged with the AF 145 andinformation exchanged with the internal network functions, receiveinformation from other network functions, and/or the like.

In an example, a network repository function, NRF 130 may supportservice discovery function that may receive NF discovery request from NFinstance, provide information about the discovered NF instances (bediscovered) to the NF instance, and maintain information about availableNF instances and their supported services, and/or the like.

In an example, an NSSF 120 may select a set of network slice instancesserving the UE 100, may determine allowed NSSAI. In an example, the NSSF120 may determine the AMF 155 set to be employed to serve the UE 100,and/or, based on configuration, determine a list of candidate AMF 155(s)155 by querying the NRF 130.

In an example, stored data in a UDR may include at least usersubscription data, including at least subscription identifiers, securitycredentials, access and mobility related subscription data, sessionrelated subscription data, policy data, and/or the like.

In an example, an AUSF 150 may support authentication server function(AUSF 150).

In an example, an application function, AF 145, may interact with the3GPP core network to provide services. In an example, based on operatordeployment, application functions may be trusted by the operator tointeract directly with relevant network functions. Application functionsnot allowed by the operator to access directly the network functions mayuse an external exposure framework (e.g., via the NEF 125) to interactwith relevant network functions.

In an example, control plane interface between the (R)AN 105 and the 5Gcore may support connection of multiple different kinds of AN(s) (e.g.3GPP RAN 105, N3IWF 170 for Un-trusted access 165) to the 5GC via acontrol plane protocol. In an example, an N2 AP protocol may be employedfor both the 3GPP access 105 and non-3GPP access 165. In an example,control plane interface between the (R)AN 105 and the 5G core maysupport decoupling between AMF 155 and other functions such as SMF 160that may need to control the services supported by AN(s) (e.g. controlof the UP resources in the AN 105 for a PDU session).

In an example, the 5GC may provide policy information from the PCF 135to the UE 100. In an example, the policy information may comprise:access network discovery and selection policy, UE 100 route selectionpolicy (URSP), SSC mode selection policy (SSCMSP), network sliceselection policy (NSSP), DNN selection policy, non-seamless offloadpolicy, and/or the like.

In an example, as depicted in example FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, theregistration management, RM may be employed to register or de-register aUE/user 100 with the network, and establish the user context in thenetwork. Connection management may be employed to establish and releasethe signaling connection between the UE 100 and the AMF 155.

In an example, a UE 100 may register with the network to receiveservices that require registration. In an example, the UE 100 may updateits registration with the network periodically in order to remainreachable (periodic registration update), or upon mobility (e.g.,mobility registration update), or to update its capabilities or tore-negotiate protocol parameters.

In an example, an initial registration procedure as depicted in exampleFIG. 8 and FIG. 9 may involve execution of network access controlfunctions (e.g. user authentication and access authorization based onsubscription profiles in UDM 140). Example FIG. 9 is a continuation ofthe initial registration procedure depicted in FIG. 8 . As a result ofthe initial registration procedure, the identity of the serving AMF 155may be registered in a UDM 140.

In an example, the registration management, RM procedures may beapplicable over both 3GPP access 105 and non 3GPP access 165.

An example FIG. 5A may depict the RM states of a UE 100 as observed bythe UE 100 and AMF 155. In an example embodiment, two RM states may beemployed in the UE 100 and the AMF 155 that may reflect the registrationstatus of the UE 100 in the selected PLMN: RM-DEREGISTERED 500, andRM-REGISTERED 510. In an example, in the RM DEREGISTERED state 500, theUE 100 may not be registered with the network. The UE 100 context in theAMF 155 may not hold valid location or routing information for the UE100 so the UE 100 may not be reachable by the AMF 155. In an example,the UE 100 context may be stored in the UE 100 and the AMF 155. In anexample, in the RM REGISTERED state 510, the UE 100 may be registeredwith the network. In the RM-REGISTERED 510 state, the UE 100 may receiveservices that may require registration with the network.

In an example embodiment, two RM states may be employed in AMF 155 forthe UE 100 that may reflect the registration status of the UE 100 in theselected PLMN: RM-DEREGISTERED 520, and RM-REGISTERED 530.

As depicted in example FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, connection management, CM,may comprise establishing and releasing a signaling connection between aUE 100 and an AMF 155 over N1 interface. The signaling connection may beemployed to enable NAS signaling exchange between the UE 100 and thecore network. The signaling connection between the UE 100 and the AMF155 may comprise both the AN signaling connection between the UE 100 andthe (R)AN 105 (e.g. RRC connection over 3GPP access) and the N2connection for the UE 100 between the AN and the AMF 155.

As depicted in example FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, two CM states may beemployed for the NAS signaling connectivity of the UE 100 with the AMF155, CM-IDLE 600, 620 and CM-CONNECTED 610, 630. A UE 100 in CM-IDLE 600state may be in RM-REGISTERED 510 state and may have no NAS signalingconnection established with the AMF 155 over N1. The UE 100 may performcell selection, cell reselection, PLMN selection, and/or the like. A UE100 in CM-CONNECTED 610 state may have a NAS signaling connection withthe AMF 155 over N1.

In an example embodiment two CM states may be employed for the UE 100 atthe AMF 155, CM-IDLE 620 and CM-CONNECTED 630.

In an example, an RRC inactive state may apply to NG-RAN (e.g. it mayapply to NR and E-UTRA connected to 5G CN). The AMF 155, based onnetwork configuration, may provide assistance information to the NG RAN105, to assist the NG RAN’s 105 decision whether the UE 100 may be sentto RRC inactive state. When a UE 100 is CM-CONNECTED 610 with RRCinactive state, the UE 100 may resume the RRC connection due to uplinkdata pending, mobile initiated signaling procedure, as a response to RAN105 paging, to notify the network that it has left the RAN 105notification area, and/or the like.

In an example, a NAS signaling connection management may includeestablishing and releasing a NAS signaling connection. A NAS signalingconnection establishment function may be provided by the UE 100 and theAMF 155 to establish the NAS signaling connection for the UE 100 inCM-IDLE 600 state. The procedure of releasing the NAS signalingconnection may be initiated by the 5G (R)AN 105 node or the AMF 155.

In an example, reachability management of a UE 100 may detect whetherthe UE 100 is reachable and may provide the UE 100 location (e.g. accessnode) to the network to reach the UE 100. Reachability management may bedone by paging the UE 100 and the UE 100 location tracking. The UE 100location tracking may include both UE 100 registration area tracking andUE 100 reachability tracking. The UE 100 and the AMF 155 may negotiateUE 100 reachability characteristics in CM-IDLE 600, 620 state duringregistration and registration update procedures.

In an example, two UE 100 reachability categories may be negotiatedbetween a UE 100 and an AMF 155 for CM-IDLE 600, 620 state. 1) UE 100reachability allowing mobile device terminated data while the UE 100 isCM-IDLE 600 mode. 2) Mobile initiated connection only (MICO) mode. The5GC may support a PDU connectivity service that provides exchange ofPDUs between the UE 100 and a data network identified by a DNN. The PDUconnectivity service may be supported via PDU sessions that areestablished upon request from the UE 100.

In an example, a PDU session may support one or more PDU session types.PDU sessions may be established (e.g. upon UE 100 request), modified(e.g. upon UE 100 and 5GC request) and/or released (e.g. upon UE 100 and5GC request) using NAS SM signaling exchanged over N1 between the UE 100and the SMF 160. Upon request from an application server, the 5GC may beable to trigger a specific application in the UE 100. When receiving thetrigger, the UE 100 may send it to the identified application in the UE100. The identified application in the UE 100 may establish a PDUsession to a specific DNN.

In an example, the 5G QoS model may support a QoS flow based frameworkas depicted in example FIG. 7 . The 5G QoS model may support both QoSflows that require a guaranteed flow bit rate and QoS flows that may notrequire a guaranteed flow bit rate. In an example, the 5G QoS model maysupport reflective QoS. The QoS model may comprise flow mapping orpacket marking at the UPF 110 (CN_UP) 110, AN 105 and/or the UE 100. Inan example, packets may arrive from and/or destined to theapplication/service layer 730 of UE 100, UPF 110 (CN_UP) 110, and/or theAF 145.

In an example, the QoS flow may be a granularity of QoS differentiationin a PDU session. A QoS flow ID, QFI, may be employed to identify theQoS flow in the 5G system. In an example, user plane traffic with thesame QFI within a PDU session may receive the same traffic forwardingtreatment. The QFI may be carried in an encapsulation header on N3and/or N9 (e.g. without any changes to the end-to-end packet header). Inan example, the QFI may be applied to PDUs with different types ofpayload. The QFI may be unique within a PDU session.

In an example, the QoS parameters of a QoS flow may be provided to the(R)AN 105 as a QoS profile over N2 at PDU session establishment, QoSflow establishment, or when NG-RAN is used at every time the user planeis activated. In an example, a default QoS rule may be required forevery PDU session. The SMF 160 may allocate the QFI for a QoS flow andmay derive QoS parameters from the information provided by the PCF 135.In an example, the SMF 160 may provide the QFI together with the QoSprofile containing the QoS parameters of a QoS flow to the (R)AN 105.

In an example, 5G QoS flow may be a granularity for QoS forwardingtreatment in the 5G system. Traffic mapped to the same 5G QoS flow mayreceive the same forwarding treatment (e.g. scheduling policy, queuemanagement policy, rate shaping policy, RLC configuration, and/or thelike). In an example, providing different QoS forwarding treatment mayrequire separate 5G QoS flows.

In an example, a 5G QoS indicator may be a scalar that may be employedas a reference to a specific QoS forwarding behavior (e.g. packet lossrate, packet delay budget) to be provided to a 5G QoS flow. In anexample, the 5G QoS indicator may be implemented in the access networkby the 5QI referencing node specific parameters that may control the QoSforwarding treatment (e.g. scheduling weights, admission thresholds,queue management thresholds, link layer protocol configuration, and/orthe like.).

In an example, 5GC may support edge computing and may enable operator(s)and 3rd party services to be hosted close to the UE’s access point ofattachment. The 5G core network may select a UPF 110 close to the UE 100and may execute the traffic steering from the UPF 110 to the local datanetwork via a N6 interface. In an example, the selection and trafficsteering may be based on the UE’s 100 subscription data, UE 100location, the information from application function AF 145, policy,other related traffic rules, and/or the like. In an example, the 5G corenetwork may expose network information and capabilities to an edgecomputing application function. The functionality support for edgecomputing may include local routing where the 5G core network may selecta UPF 110 to route the user traffic to the local data network, trafficsteering where the 5G core network may select the traffic to be routedto the applications in the local data network, session and servicecontinuity to enable UE 100 and application mobility, user planeselection and reselection, e.g. based on input from applicationfunction, network capability exposure where 5G core network andapplication function may provide information to each other via NEF 125,QoS and charging where PCF 135 may provide rules for QoS control andcharging for the traffic routed to the local data network, support oflocal area data network where 5G core network may provide support toconnect to the LADN in a certain area where the applications aredeployed, and/or the like.

An example 5G system may be a 3GPP system comprising of 5G accessnetwork 105, 5G core network and a UE 100, and/or the like. AllowedNSSAI may be an NSSAI provided by a serving PLMN during e.g. aregistration procedure, indicating the NSSAI allowed by the network forthe UE 100 in the serving PLMN for the current registration area.

In an example, a PDU connectivity service may provide exchange of PDUsbetween a UE 100 and a data network. A PDU session may be an associationbetween the UE 100 and the data network, DN 115, that may provide thePDU connectivity service. The type of association may be IP, Ethernetand/or unstructured.

Establishment of user plane connectivity to a data network via networkslice instance(s) may comprise the following: performing a RM procedureto select an AMF 155 that supports the required network slices, andestablishing one or more PDU session(s) to the required data network viathe network slice instance(s).

In an example, the set of network slices for a UE 100 may be changed atany time while the UE 100 may be registered with the network, and may beinitiated by the network, or the UE 100.

In an example, a periodic registration update may be UE 100re-registration at expiry of a periodic registration timer. A requestedNSSAI may be a NSSAI that the UE 100 may provide to the network.

In an example, a service based interface may represent how a set ofservices may be provided/exposed by a given NF.

In an example, a service continuity may be an uninterrupted userexperience of a service, including the cases where the IP address and/oranchoring point may change. In an example, a session continuity mayrefer to continuity of a PDU session. For PDU session of IP type sessioncontinuity may imply that the IP address is preserved for the lifetimeof the PDU session. An uplink classifier may be a UPF 110 functionalitythat aims at diverting uplink traffic, based on filter rules provided bythe SMF 160, towards data network, DN 115.

In an example, the 5G system architecture may support data connectivityand services enabling deployments to use techniques such as e.g. networkfunction virtualization and/or software defined networking. The 5Gsystem architecture may leverage service-based interactions betweencontrol plane (CP) network functions where identified. In 5G systemarchitecture, separation of the user plane (UP) functions from thecontrol plane functions may be considered. A 5G system may enable anetwork function to interact with other NF(s) directly if required.

In an example, the 5G system may reduce dependencies between the accessnetwork (AN) and the core network (CN). The architecture may comprise aconverged access-agnostic core network with a common AN - CN interfacewhich may integrate different 3GPP and non-3GPP access types.

In an example, the 5G system may support a unified authenticationframework, stateless NFs, where the compute resource is decoupled fromthe storage resource, capability exposure, and concurrent access tolocal and centralized services. To support low latency services andaccess to local data networks, UP functions may be deployed close to theaccess network.

In an example, the 5G system may support roaming with home routedtraffic and/or local breakout traffic in the visited PLMN. An example 5Garchitecture may be service-based and the interaction between networkfunctions may be represented in two ways. (1) As service-basedrepresentation (depicted in example FIG. 1 ), where network functionswithin the control plane, may enable other authorized network functionsto access their services. This representation may also includepoint-to-point reference points where necessary. (2) Reference pointrepresentation, showing the interaction between the NF services in thenetwork functions described by point-to-point reference point (e.g. N11)between any two network functions.

In an example, a network slice may comprise the core network controlplane and user plane network functions, the 5G Radio Access Network; theN3IWF functions to the non-3GPP Access Network, and/or the like. Networkslices may differ for supported features and network functionimplementation. The operator may deploy multiple network slice instancesdelivering the same features but for different groups of UEs, e.g. asthey deliver a different committed service and/or because they may bededicated to a customer. The NSSF 120 may store the mapping informationbetween slice instance ID and NF ID (or NF address).

In an example, a UE 100 may simultaneously be served by one or morenetwork slice instances via a 5G-AN. In an example, the UE 100 may beserved by k network slices (e.g. k=8, 16, etc.) at a time. An AMF 155instance serving the UE 100 logically may belong to a network sliceinstance serving the UE 100.

In an example, a PDU session may belong to one specific network sliceinstance per PLMN. In an example, different network slice instances maynot share a PDU session. Different slices may have slice-specific PDUsessions using the same DNN.

An S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information) mayidentify a network slice. An S-NSSAI may comprise a slice/service type(SST), which may refer to the expected network slice behavior in termsof features and services; and/or a slice differentiator (SD). A slicedifferentiator may be optional information that may complement theslice/service type(s) to allow further differentiation for selecting anetwork slice instance from potentially multiple network slice instancesthat comply with the indicated slice/service type. In an example, thesame network slice instance may be selected employing differentS-NSSAIs. The CN part of a network slice instance(s) serving a UE 100may be selected by CN.

In an example, subscription data may include the S-NSSAI(s) of thenetwork slices that the UE 100 subscribes to. One or more S-NSSAIs maybe marked as default S-NSSAI. In an example, k S-NSSAI may be markeddefault S-NSSAI (e.g. k=8, 16, etc.). In an example, the UE 100 maysubscribe to more than 8 S-NSSAIs.

In an example, a UE 100 may be configured by the HPLMN with a configuredNSSAI per PLMN. Upon successful completion of a UE’s registrationprocedure, the UE 100 may obtain from the AMF 155 an Allowed NSSAI forthis PLMN, which may include one or more S-NSSAIs.

In an example, the Allowed NSSAI may take precedence over the configuredNSSAI for a PLMN. The UE 100 may use the S-NSSAIs in the allowed NSSAIcorresponding to a network slice for the subsequent network sliceselection related procedures in the serving PLMN.

In an example, the establishment of user plane connectivity to a datanetwork via a network slice instance(s) may comprise: performing a RMprocedure to select an AMF 155 that may support the required networkslices, establishing one or more PDU sessions to the required datanetwork via the network slice instance(s), and/or the like.

In an example, when a UE 100 registers with a PLMN, if the UE 100 forthe PLMN has a configured NSSAI or an allowed NSSAI, the UE 100 mayprovide to the network in RRC and NAS layer a requested NSSAI comprisingthe S-NSSAI(s) corresponding to the slice(s) to which the UE 100attempts to register, a temporary user ID if one was assigned to the UE,and/or the like. The requested NSSAI may be configured-NSSAI,allowed-NSSAI, and/or the like.

In an example, when a UE 100 registers with a PLMN, if for the PLMN theUE 100 has no configured NSSAI or allowed NSSAI, the RAN 105 may routeNAS signaling from/to the UE 100 to/from a default AMF 155.

In an example, the network, based on local policies, subscriptionchanges and/or UE 100 mobility, may change the set of permitted networkslice(s) to which the UE 100 is registered. In an example, the networkmay perform the change during a registration procedure or trigger anotification towards the UE 100 of the change of the supported networkslices using an RM procedure (which may trigger a registrationprocedure). The network may provide the UE 100 with a new allowed NSSAIand tracking area list.

In an example, during a registration procedure in a PLMN, in case thenetwork decides that the UE 100 should be served by a different AMF 155based on network slice(s) aspects, the AMF 155 that first received theregistration request may redirect the registration request to anotherAMF 155 via the RAN 105 or via direct signaling between the initial AMF155 and the target AMF 155.

In an example, the network operator may provision the UE 100 withnetwork slice selection policy (NSSP). The NSSP may comprise one or moreNSSP rules.

In an example, if a UE 100 has one or more PDU sessions establishedcorresponding to a specific S-NSSAI, the UE 100 may route the user dataof the application in one of the PDU sessions, unless other conditionsin the UE 100 may prohibit the use of the PDU sessions. If theapplication provides a DNN, then the UE 100 may consider the DNN todetermine which PDU session to use. In an example, if the UE 100 doesnot have a PDU session established with the specific S-NSSAI, the UE 100may request a new PDU session corresponding to the S-NSSAI and with theDNN that may be provided by the application. In an example, in order forthe RAN 105 to select a proper resource for supporting network slicingin the RAN 105, the RAN 105 may be aware of the network slices used bythe UE 100.

In an example, an AMF 155 may select an SMF 160 in a network sliceinstance based on S-NSSAI, DNN and/or other information e.g. UE 100subscription and local operator policies, and/or the like, when the UE100 triggers the establishment of a PDU session. The selected SMF 160may establish the PDU session based on S-NSSAI and DNN.

In an example, in order to support network-controlled privacy of sliceinformation for the slices the UE 100 may access, when the UE 100 isaware or configured that privacy considerations may apply to NSSAI, theUE 100 may not include NSSAI in NAS signaling unless the UE 100 has aNAS security context and the UE 100 may not include NSSAI in unprotectedRRC signaling.

In an example, for roaming scenarios, the network slice specific networkfunctions in VPLMN and HPLMN may be selected based on the S-NSSAIprovided by the UE 100 during PDU connection establishment. If astandardized S-NSSAI is used, selection of slice specific NF instancesmay be done by each PLMN based on the provided S-NSSAI. In an example,the VPLMN may map the S-NSSAI of HPLMN to a S-NSSAI of VPLMN based onroaming agreement (e.g., including mapping to a default S-NSSAI ofVPLMN). In an example, the selection of slice specific NF instance inVPLMN may be done based on the S-NSSAI of VPLMN. In an example, theselection of any slice specific NF instance in HPLMN may be based on theS-NSSAI of HPLMN.

As depicted in example FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , a registration procedure maybe performed by the UE 100 to get authorized to receive services, toenable mobility tracking, to enable reachability, and/or the like.

In an example, the UE 100 may send to the (R)AN 105 an AN message 805(comprising AN parameters, RM-NAS registration request (registrationtype, SUCI or SUPI or 5G-GUTI, last visited TAI (if available), securityparameters, requested NSSAI, mapping of requested NSSAI, UE 100 5GCcapability, PDU session status, PDU session(s) to be re-activated,Follow on request, MICO mode preference, and/or the like), and/or thelike). In an example, in case of NG-RAN, the AN parameters may includee.g. SUCI or SUPI or the 5G-GUTI, the Selected PLMN ID and requestedNSSAI, and/or the like. In an example, the AN parameters may compriseestablishment cause. The establishment cause may provide the reason forrequesting the establishment of an RRC connection. In an example, theregistration type may indicate if the UE 100 wants to perform an initialregistration (i.e. the UE 100 is in RM-DEREGISTERED state), a mobilityregistration update (e.g., the UE 100 is in RM-REGISTERED state andinitiates a registration procedure due to mobility), a periodicregistration update (e.g., the UE 100 is in RM-REGISTERED state and mayinitiate a registration procedure due to the periodic registrationupdate timer expiry) or an emergency registration (e.g., the UE 100 isin limited service state). In an example, if the UE 100 performing aninitial registration (i.e., the UE 100 is in RM-DEREGISTERED state) to aPLMN for which the UE 100 does not already have a 5G-GUTI, the UE 100may include its SUCI or SUPI in the registration request. The SUCI maybe included if the home network has provisioned the public key toprotect SUPI in the UE. If the UE 100 received a UE 100 configurationupdate command indicating that the UE 100 needs to re-register and the5G-GUTI is invalid, the UE 100 may perform an initial registration andmay include the SUPI in the registration request message. For anemergency registration, the SUPI may be included if the UE 100 does nothave a valid 5G-GUTI available; the PEI may be included when the UE 100has no SUPI and no valid 5G-GUTI. In other cases, the 5G-GUTI may beincluded and it may indicate the last serving AMF 155. If the UE 100 isalready registered via a non-3GPP access in a PLMN different from thenew PLMN (e.g., not the registered PLMN or an equivalent PLMN of theregistered PLMN) of the 3GPP access, the UE 100 may not provide over the3GPP access the 5G-GUTI allocated by the AMF 155 during the registrationprocedure over the non-3GPP access. If the UE 100 is already registeredvia a 3GPP access in a PLMN (e.g., the registered PLMN), different fromthe new PLMN (i.e. not the registered PLMN or an equivalent PLMN of theregistered PLMN) of the non-3GPP access, the UE 100 may not provide overthe non-3GPP access the 5G-GUTI allocated by the AMF 155 during theregistration procedure over the 3GPP access. The UE 100 may provide theUE’s usage setting based on its configuration. In case of initialregistration or mobility registration update, the UE 100 may include themapping of requested NSSAI, which may be the mapping of each S-NSSAI ofthe requested NSSAI to the S-NSSAIs of the configured NSSAI for theHPLMN, to ensure that the network is able to verify whether theS-NSSAI(s) in the requested NSSAI are permitted based on the subscribedS-NSSAIs. If available, the last visited TAI may be included in order tohelp the AMF 155 produce registration area for the UE. In an example,the security parameters may be used for authentication and integrityprotection. requested NSSAI may indicate the network slice selectionassistance information. The PDU session status may indicates thepreviously established PDU sessions in the UE. When the UE 100 isconnected to the two AMF 155 belonging to different PLMN via 3GPP accessand non-3GPP access then the PDU session status may indicate theestablished PDU session of the current PLMN in the UE. The PDUsession(s) to be re-activated may be included to indicate the PDUsession(s) for which the UE 100 may intend to activate UP connections. APDU session corresponding to a LADN may not be included in the PDUsession(s) to be re-activated when the UE 100 is outside the area ofavailability of the LADN. The follow on request may be included when theUE 100 may have pending uplink signaling and the UE 100 may not includePDU session(s) to be re-activated, or the registration type may indicatethe UE 100 may want to perform an emergency registration.

In an example, if a SUPI is included or the 5G-GUTI does not indicate avalid AMF 155, the (R)AN 105, based on (R)AT and requested NSSAI, ifavailable, may selects 808 an AMF 155. If UE 100 is in CM-CONNECTEDstate, the (R)AN 105 may forward the registration request message to theAMF 155 based on the N2 connection of the UE. If the (R)AN 105 may notselect an appropriate AMF 155, it may forward the registration requestto an AMF 155 which has been configured, in (R)AN 105, to perform AMF155 selection 808.

In an example, the (R)AN 105 may send to the new AMF 155 an N2 message810 (comprising: N2 parameters, RM-NAS registration request(registration type, SUPI or 5G-GUTI, last visited TAI (if available),security parameters, requested NSSAI, mapping of requested NSSAI, UE 1005GC capability, PDU session status, PDU session(s) to be re-activated,follow on request, and MICO mode preference), and/or the like). In anexample, when NG-RAN is used, the N2 parameters may comprise theselected PLMN ID, location information, cell identity and the RAT typerelated to the cell in which the UE 100 is camping. In an example, whenNG-RAN is used, the N2 parameters may include the establishment cause.

In an example, the new AMF 155 may send to the old AMF 155 aNamf_Communication UEContextTransfer (complete registration request)815. In an example, if the UE’s 5G-GUTI was included in the registrationrequest and the serving AMF 155 has changed since last registrationprocedure, the new AMF 155 may invoke theNamf_Communication_UEContextTransfer service operation 815 on the oldAMF 155 including the complete registration request IE, which may beintegrity protected, to request the UE’s SUPI and MM Context. The oldAMF 155 may use the integrity protected complete registration request IEto verify if the context transfer service operation invocationcorresponds to the UE 100 requested. In an example, the old AMF 155 maytransfer the event subscriptions information by each NF consumer, forthe UE, to the new AMF 155. In an example, if the UE 100 identifiesitself with PEI, the SUPI request may be skipped.

In an example, the old AMF 155 may send to new AMF 155 a response 815 toNamf_Communication_UEContextTransfer (SUPI, MM context, SMF 160information, PCF ID). In an example, the old AMF 155 may respond to thenew AMF 155 for the Namf_Communication_UEContextTransfer invocation byincluding the UE’s SUPI and MM context. In an example, if old AMF 155holds information about established PDU sessions, the old AMF 155 mayinclude SMF 160 information including S-NSSAI(s), SMF 160 identities andPDU session ID. In an example, if old AMF 155 holds information aboutactive NGAP UE-TNLA bindings to N3IWF, the old AMF 155 may includeinformation about the NGAP UE-TNLA bindings.

In an example, if the SUPI is not provided by the UE 100 nor retrievedfrom the old AMF 155 the identity request procedure 820 may be initiatedby the AMF 155 sending an identity request message to the UE 100requesting the SUCI.

In an example, the UE 100 may respond with an identity response message820 including the SUCI. The UE 100 may derive the SUCI by using theprovisioned public key of the HPLMN.

In an example, the AMF 155 may decide to initiate UE 100 authentication825 by invoking an AUSF 150. The AMF 155 may select an AUSF 150 based onSUPI or SUCI. In an example, if the AMF 155 is configured to supportemergency registration for unauthenticated SUPIs and the UE 100indicated registration type emergency registration, the AMF 155 may skipthe authentication and security setup, or the AMF 155 may accept thatthe authentication may fail and may continue the registration procedure.

In an example, the authentication 830 may be performed byNudm_UEAuthenticate_Get operation. The AUSF 150 may discover a UDM 140.In case the AMF 155 provided a SUCI to AUSF 150, the AUSF 150 may returnthe SUPI to AMF 155 after the authentication is successful. In anexample, if network slicing is used, the AMF 155 may decide if theregistration request needs to be rerouted where the initial AMF 155refers to the AMF 155. In an example, the AMF 155 may initiate NASsecurity functions. In an example, upon completion of NAS securityfunction setup, the AMF 155 may initiate NGAP procedure to enable 5G-ANuse it for securing procedures with the UE. In an example, the 5G-AN maystore the security context and may acknowledge to the AMF 155. The 5G-ANmay use the security context to protect the messages exchanged with theUE.

In an example, new AMF 155 may send to the old AMF 155Namf_Communication_RegistrationCompleteNotify 835. If the AMF 155 haschanged, the new AMF 155 may notify the old AMF 155 that theregistration of the UE 100 in the new AMF 155 may be completed byinvoking the Namf_Communication_RegistrationCompleteNotify serviceoperation. If the authentication/security procedure fails, then theregistration may be rejected, and the new AMF 155 may invoke theNamf_Communication_RegistrationCompleteNotify service operation with areject indication reason code towards the old AMF 155. The old AMF 155may continue as if the UE 100 context transfer service operation wasnever received. If one or more of the S-NSSAIs used in the oldregistration area may not be served in the target registration area, thenew AMF 155 may determine which PDU session may not be supported in thenew registration area. The new AMF 155 may invoke theNamf_Communication_RegistrationCompleteNotify service operationincluding the rejected PDU session ID and a reject cause (e.g. theS-NSSAI becomes no longer available) towards the old AMF 155. The newAMF 155 may modify the PDU session status correspondingly. The old AMF155 may inform the corresponding SMF 160(s) to locally release the UE’sSM context by invoking the Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext serviceoperation.

In an example, the new AMF 155 may send to the UE 100 an identityrequest/response 840 (e.g., PEI). If the PEI was not provided by the UE100 nor retrieved from the old AMF 155, the identity request proceduremay be initiated by AMF 155 sending an identity request message to theUE 100 to retrieve the PEI. The PEI may be transferred encrypted unlessthe UE 100 performs emergency registration and may not be authenticated.For an emergency registration, the UE 100 may have included the PEI inthe registration request.

In an example, the new AMF 155 may initiate ME identity check 845 byinvoking the N5g-eir_EquipmentIdentityCheck_Get service operation 845.

In an example, the new AMF 155, based on the SUPI, may select 905 a UDM140. The UDM 140 may select a UDR instance. In an example, the AMF 155may select a UDM 140.

In an example, if the AMF 155 has changed since the last registrationprocedure, or if the UE 100 provides a SUPI which may not refer to avalid context in the AMF 155, or if the UE 100 registers to the same AMF155 it has already registered to a non-3GPP access (e.g., the UE 100 isregistered over a non-3GPP access and may initiate the registrationprocedure to add a 3GPP access), the new AMF 155 may register with theUDM 140 using Nudm_UECM_Registration 910 and may subscribe to benotified when the UDM 140 may deregister the AMF 155. The UDM 140 maystore the AMF 155 identity associated to the access type and may notremove the AMF 155 identity associated to the other access type. The UDM140 may store information provided at registration in UDR, byNudr_UDM_Update. In an example, the AMF 155 may retrieve the access andmobility subscription data and SMF 160 selection subscription data usingNudm_SDM_Get 915. The UDM 140 may retrieve this information from UDR byNudr UDM_Query(access and mobility subscription data). After asuccessful response is received, the AMF 155 may subscribe to benotified using Nudm_SDM_ Subscribe 920 when the data requested may bemodified. The UDM 140 may subscribe to UDR by Nudr_UDM_Subscribe. TheGPSI may be provided to the AMF 155 in the subscription data from theUDM 140 if the GPSI is available in the UE 100 subscription data. In anexample, the new AMF 155 may provide the access type it serves for theUE 100 to the UDM 140 and the access type may be set to 3GPP access. TheUDM 140 may store the associated access type together with the servingAMF 155 in UDR by Nudr_UDM_Update. The new AMF 155 may create an MMcontext for the UE 100 after getting the mobility subscription data fromthe UDM 140. In an example, when the UDM 140 stores the associatedaccess type together with the serving AMF 155, the UDM 140 may initiatea Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification 921 to the old AMF 155corresponding to 3GPP access. The old AMF 155 may remove the MM contextof the UE. If the serving NF removal reason indicated by the UDM 140 isinitial registration, then the old AMF 155 may invoke theNamf_EventExposure_Notify service operation towards all the associatedSMF 160s of the UE 100 to notify that the UE 100 is deregistered fromold AMF 155. The SMF 160 may release the PDU session(s) on getting thisnotification. In an example, the old AMF 155 may unsubscribe with theUDM 140 for subscription data using Nudm_SDM_unsubscribe 922.

In an example, if the AMF 155 decides to initiate PCF 135 communication,e.g. the AMF 155 has not yet obtained access and mobility policy for theUE 100 or if the access and mobility policy in the AMF 155 are no longervalid, the AMF 155 may select 925 a PCF 135. If the new AMF 155 receivesa PCF ID from the old AMF 155 and successfully contacts the PCF 135identified by the PCF ID, the AMF 155 may select the (V-)PCF identifiedby the PCF ID. If the PCF 135 identified by the PCF ID may not be used(e.g. no response from the PCF 135) or if there is no PCF ID receivedfrom the old AMF 155, the AMF 155 may select 925 a PCF 135.

In an example, the new AMF 155 may perform a policy associationestablishment 930 during registration procedure. If the new AMF 155contacts the PCF 135 identified by the (V-)PCF ID received duringinter-AMF 155 mobility, the new AMF 155 may include the PCF-ID in theNpcf_AMPolicyControl Get operation. If the AMF 155 notifies the mobilityrestrictions (e.g. UE 100 location) to the PCF 135 for adjustment, or ifthe PCF 135 updates the mobility restrictions itself due to someconditions (e.g. application in use, time and date), the PCF 135 mayprovide the updated mobility restrictions to the AMF 155.

In an example, the PCF 135 may invoke Namf_EventExposure_Subscribeservice operation 935 for UE 100 event subscription.

In an example, the AMF 155 may send to the SMF 160 aNsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext 936. In an example, the AMF 155 mayinvoke the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext if the PDU session(s) to bere-activated is included in the registration request. The AMF 155 maysend Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request to SMF 160(s) associatedwith the PDU session(s) to activate user plane connections of the PDUsession(s). The SMF 160 may decide to trigger e.g. the intermediate UPF110 insertion, removal or change of PSA. In the case that theintermediate UPF 110 insertion, removal, or relocation is performed forthe PDU session(s) not included in PDU session(s) to be re-activated,the procedure may be performed without N11 and N2 interactions to updatethe N3 user plane between (R)AN 105 and 5GC. The AMF 155 may invoke theNsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext service operation towards the SMF 160if any PDU session status indicates that it is released at the UE 100.The AMF 155 may invoke the Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext serviceoperation towards the SMF 160 in order to release any network resourcesrelated to the PDU session.

In an example, the new AMF 155 may send to a N3IWF an N2 AMF 155mobility request 940. If the AMF 155 has changed, the new AMF 155 maycreate an NGAP UE 100 association towards the N3IWF to which the UE 100is connected. In an example, the N3IWF may respond to the new AMF 155with an N2 AMF 155 mobility response 940.

In an example, the new AMF 155 may send to the UE 100 a registrationaccept 955 (comprising: 5G-GUTI, registration area, mobilityrestrictions, PDU session status, allowed NSSAI, [mapping of allowedNSSAI], periodic registration update timer, LADN information andaccepted MICO mode, IMS voice over PS session supported indication,emergency service support indicator, and/or the like). In an example,the AMF 155 may send the registration accept message to the UE 100indicating that the registration request has been accepted. 5G-GUTI maybe included if the AMF 155 allocates a new 5G-GUTI. If the AMF 155allocates a new registration area, it may send the registration area tothe UE 100 via registration accept message 955. If there is noregistration area included in the registration accept message, the UE100 may consider the old registration area as valid. In an example,mobility restrictions may be included in case mobility restrictions mayapply for the UE 100 and registration type may not be emergencyregistration. The AMF 155 may indicate the established PDU sessions tothe UE 100 in the PDU session status. The UE 100 may remove locally anyinternal resources related to PDU sessions that are not marked asestablished in the received PDU session status. In an example, when theUE 100 is connected to the two AMF 155 belonging to different PLMN via3GPP access and non-3GPP access then the UE 100 may remove locally anyinternal resources related to the PDU session of the current PLMN thatare not marked as established in received PDU session status. If the PDUsession status information was in the registration request, the AMF 155may indicate the PDU session status to the UE. The mapping of allowedNSSAI may be the mapping of each S-NSSAI of the allowed NSSAI to theS-NSSAIs of the configured NSSAI for the HPLMN. The AMF 155 may includein the registration accept message 955 the LADN information for LADNsthat are available within the registration area determined by the AMF155 for the UE. If the UE 100 included MICO mode in the request, thenAMF 155 may respond whether MICO mode may be used. The AMF 155 may setthe IMS voice over PS session supported Indication. In an example, inorder to set the IMS voice over PS session supported indication, the AMF155 may perform a UE/RAN radio information and compatibility requestprocedure to check the compatibility of the UE 100 and RAN radiocapabilities related to IMS voice over PS. In an example, the emergencyservice support indicator may inform the UE 100 that emergency servicesare supported, e.g., the UE 100 may request PDU session for emergencyservices. In an example, the handover restriction list and UE-AMBR maybe provided to NG-RAN by the AMF 155.

In an example, the UE 100 may send to the new AMF 155 a registrationcomplete 960 message. In an example, the UE 100 may send theregistration complete message 960 to the AMF 155 to acknowledge that anew 5G-GUTI may be assigned. In an example, when information about thePDU session(s) to be re-activated is not included in the registrationrequest, the AMF 155 may release the signaling connection with the UE100. In an example, when the follow-on request is included in theregistration request, the AMF 155 may not release the signalingconnection after the completion of the registration procedure. In anexample, if the AMF 155 is aware that some signaling is pending in theAMF 155 or between the UE 100 and the 5GC, the AMF 155 may not releasethe signaling connection after the completion of the registrationprocedure.

In an example, FIG. 10 is a diagram of 5G policy and charging controlsystem architecture. The reference architecture of policy and chargingcontrol framework for the 5G system may comprise one or more of thefollowing network functions: policy control function (PCF), sessionmanagement function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), access andmobility management function (AMF), network exposure functionality(NEF), network data analytics function (NWDAF), charging function (CHF),application function (AF) and unified data repository (UDR).

In an example, the CHF may support at least one charging method: offlinecharging, online charging, or converged charging.

In an example, the offline charging may be a process where charginginformation for network resource usage may be collected concurrentlywith that resource usage. At the end of the process, CDR files may begenerated by the network, which may be transferred to a networkoperator’s billing domain (BD) for the purpose of subscriber billingand/or inter-operator accounting (or additional functions, e.g.statistics, at the operator’s discretion). The BD typically comprisespost-processing systems such as the operator’s billing system or billingmediation device. In an example conclusion, offline charging may be amechanism where charging information does not affect, in real-time, theservice rendered.

In an example, online charging may be a process where charginginformation for network resource usage may be collected concurrentlywith that resource usage in the same fashion as in offline charging.Authorization for the network resource usage may be obtained by thenetwork prior to the actual resource usage to occur. In an example, thecharging information utilized in online charging may be not necessarilyidentical to the charging information employed in offline charging. Inan example conclusion, online charging may be a mechanism where charginginformation may affect, in real-time, the service rendered and thereforea direct interaction of the charging mechanism with the control ofnetwork resource usage may be required.

In an example, converged charging may be a process where online andoffline charging may be combined.

FIG. 11 is an example call flow for PDU session establishment chargingas per an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an example, a UE may initiate a PDU Session establishment procedureby sending a PDU Session Establishment Request message to an AMF. ThePDU Session Establishment Request message may comprise one or more of:PDU session ID, PDU Type, SSC mode, User location information, andAccess Technology Type Information.

In response to the message received from the UE, an AMF may select anSMF and send to the selected SMF a message (e.g.Namf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request). The message sent to the SMFmay be used by the AMF to request establishing the PDU session. Inresponse to receiving the message from the AMF, the SMF may send aresponse message (e.g. Namf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response) to theAMF to indicate whether the request from the AMF is accepted or not.

In an example, the SMF may select a PCF and send to the PCF a message(e.g. SM Policy Association Establishment Request) to request PCC rules.The PCF may provide PCC rules in a response message (e.g. SM PolicyAssociation Establishment response) to the SMF.

In an example, the SMF may create a Charging Id for the PDU session andmay send a Charging Data Request [initial] message to a CHF to verifyauthorization of a subscriber of the UE to start the PDU session whichis triggered by start of PDU session charging event.

In an example, the CHF may open a charging data record (CDR) for the PDUsession and may acknowledge the Charging Data Request message by sendingCharging Data Response to the SMF.

In an example, the SMF selects a UPF and may initiate an N4 SessionEstablishment/Modification procedure with the selected UPF.

The SMF may interact with the AMF. For example, the SMF may send to theAMF a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message comprising one ormore of: PDU session ID, QoS Profile(s), CN Tunnel Info, and S-NSSAIfrom the Allowed NSSAI. This SMF/AMF interaction is labeled in FIG. 11as SMF AMF Interaction.

In an example, the AMF may interact with the (R)AN and the UE. Thisinteraction is labeled in FIG. 11 as AMF-RAN-UE Interactions. As part ofthe AMF-RAN-UE Interactions, the AMF may interact with the (R)AN and theUE by sending to the (R)AN a N2 PDU Session Request message comprisingthe information received from the SMF that indicates the PDU sessionestablishment is accepted.

In an example, and as further part of the AMF-RAN-UE Interactions, the(R)AN may send to the AMF a N2 PDU Session Response message comprisingone or more of: PDU session ID, N2 SM information (PDU session ID, ANTunnel Info, List of accepted/rejected QFI(s)), wherein the AN TunnelInfo may correspond to the Access Network address of the N3 tunnelcorresponding to the PDU Session.

In an example, the AMF may send to the SMF a PDU Session Update Requestmessage (e.g. Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message)comprising the N2 SM information received from the (R)AN to the SMF.

In an example, the SMF may initiate an N4 Session Modification procedurewith the UPF. As part of the N4 Session Modification procedure, the SMFmay provide AN Tunnel Info to the UPF as well as the correspondingforwarding rules, and the UPF may send to the SMF a response message.

In an example, the SMF may request quota from CHF, e.g. “start ofservice data flow” event may need quota from CHF. The SMF may send amessage to the CHF (e.g. Charging Data Request [update]). In an example,for online charging or converged charging, the SMF may request quotafrom CHF when allocated quota is consumed or a trigger is met to requesta quota.

In an example, the UPF may report resource usage of a PDU session to theSMF. In an example, the UPF may report resource usage of a wirelessdevice to the SMF. by enforcing the charging control rules, the SMF maysend to the CHF a message (e.g. Charging Data Request [update])comprising resource usage information received from the UPF.

In an example, the CHF may update CDR for this PDU session. The CHF mayacknowledge the SMF by sending a Charging Data Response message.

In an example, the SMF may send to the AMF aNsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message.

In an example, other interactions may be performed between SMF, AMF,(R)AN and UE for the PDU session establishment procedure, thisinteraction is labeled in FIG. 11 as Other Interactions.

In an example, 5GC may be able to provide policy information from a PCFto a UE, and such policy information may include Access NetworkDiscovery & Selection Policy (ANDSP) and/or UE Route Selection Policy(URSP).

In an example, the ANDSP is used by the UE for selecting non-3GPPaccesses and for selection of the N3IWF in a PLMN. In an example, theURSP is used by the UE to determine if a detected application may beassociated to an established PDU Session, may be offloaded to non-3GPPaccess outside a PDU Session, or may trigger the establishment of a newPDU Session. In an example, the URSP rules may include trafficdescriptors that specify the matching criteria and one or more of thefollowing components: SSC Mode Selection Policy (SSCMSP), Network SliceSelection Policy (NSSP), DNN Selection Policy, PDU Session Type Policy,Non-seamless Offload Policy, and/or Access Type preference. In anexample, the SSCMSP is used by the UE to associate the matchingapplication with SSC modes. In an example, the NSSP is used by the UE toassociate the matching application with S-NSSAI. In an example, the DNNSelection Policy is used by the UE to associate the matching applicationwith DNN. In an example, the PDU Session Type Policy is used by the UEto associate the matching application with a PDU Session Type. In anexample, the Non-seamless Offload Policy is used by the UE to determinethat the matching application should be non-seamlessly offloaded tonon-3GPP access (i.e. outside of a PDU Session). In an example, theAccess Type preference may indicate the preferred Access Type (3GPP ornon-3GPP) If the UE needs to establish a PDU Session for the matchingapplication, this. In an example, the ANDSP and URSP may bepre-configured in the UE or may be provisioned to UE from PCF. Thepre-configured policy may be applied by the UE when it has not receivedthe same type of policy from PCF. In an example, the PCF may select theANDSP and URSP applicable for a UE based on local configuration,Subscribed S-NSSAIs and operator policies taking into consideration e.g.accumulated usage, load level information per network slice instance, UElocation. In an example, in the case of a roaming UE, the V-PCF mayretrieve ANDSP and URSP from the H-PCF over N24/Npcf. When the UE isroaming and the UE has valid rules from both HPLMN and VPLMN the UE maygive priority to the valid ANDSP rules from the VPLMN.

In an example, the ANDSP and URSP may be provided from the PCF to an AMFvia N15/Namf interface and then from AMF to the UE via the N1 interface.The AMF may not change the ANDSP and the URSP provided by PCF.

In an example, the PCF may be responsible for delivery of UE policy. Ifthe PCF is notified UE Policy delivery failure (e.g. because of UEunreachable), the PCF may subscribe the “ Connectivity state changes(IDLE or CONNECTED)” event. After reception of the Notify messageindicating that the UE enters the CM-Connected state, the PCF may retryto deliver the UE Policy.

In an example, a 5G core network may support collection of charginginformation for a 5G LAN-type service based on resource usage (e.g.,licensed or unlicensed spectrum, QoS, applications).

In an example, a 5G core network may support collection of charginginformation for a 5G LAN-type service when a UE joins or leaves aspecific private communication.

In an example, a 5G core network may support collection of charginginformation for a 5G LAN-type service for both home and roaming UEsbased on the UE’s HPLMN.

In an example, a non-public network may be uniquely identified by thecombination of a PLMN ID and a non-public network ID. In an example, anon-public network may be isolated from a PLMN (e.g. standalonenon-public network), in this case a reserved dedicated PLMN ID which isassigned globally (e.g., MCC=999 and MNC=3GPP specified value) or withina country (e.g., special MCC and MNC values specified by a localregulatory) may be used. In an example, a non-public network may bedeployed as part of a PLMN, the PLMN ID of the PLMN operator may beused. FIG. 12A is an example diagram depicting a non-public network maybe deployed as part of a PLMN and FIG. 12B is an example diagramdepicting a non-public network may be isolated from a PLMN.

In an example, a non-public network may comprise only one CAG (e.g. anNPN ID maps to a CAG ID). In an example, a non-public network maycomprise more than one CAGs (e.g. am NPN ID maps to more than one CAGIDs). FIG. 13A is an example diagram depicting a non-public network maycomprise only one CAG and FIG. 13B is an example diagram depicting anon-public network may comprise more than one CAGs.

In an example, a non-public network ID (NPN-ID) identifies a non-publicnetwork. The NPN-ID may support two assignment models. A human-readablenetwork name may identify a non-public network. The human-readable namemay be unique. In an example, PLMN ID consisting of MCC 999 (assigned byITU for private networks) and an MNC defined by 3GPP may identify a cellas part of a non-public network.

In an example, a Closed Access Group (CAG) ID uniquely identifies aclosed access group (CAG) in a PLMN. In an example, a human-readablenetwork name identifies the CAG. The human-readable name may be unique.In an example, the following information may be broadcasted in SIB for aPLMN that supports a CAG: CAG indication identifying the cell as aClosed Access Group cell; cellReservedForOtherUse indication (to preventnon-supporting UEs from accessing the cell), UEs that support non-publicnetworks consider a cell that broadcasts both thecellReservedForOtherUse and the CAG indication as not barred; CAG ID;Optional, Human-readable network name.

In an example, UE may maintain a white list of CAG IDs. In an example,UE configured to only access CAG cells may not be allowed to registervia non-CAG cells of any PLMN. In an example, UE may only automaticallyselect and attempt to register via a CAG cell whose identity iscontained in the white list. In an example, for manual CAG selection theUE may present the list of available CAG IDs and related human-readablenames (if available). If a UE has successfully registered to a CAG whichwas not listed in the white list yet, the CAG ID may be added to the CAGwhite list.

In an example, subscription may contain the list of CAGs the UE isentitled to access. In an example, subscription may contain anindication whether the UE is only allowed to access CAG cells (UE isalso configured accordingly), this is to address factory devices thatare supposed to remain on the CAG cells.

FIG. 14 is an example diagram depicting UEs accessing different serviceprovider PLMNs via a non-public network as per an aspect of anembodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, a network may beidentified with a non-public network identifier (NPN ID) advertised inthe broadcast channels of a non-public network cell. A non-publicnetwork may support services provided by one or more Service Providers(SP), which can include MNOs, or 3rd party service provider. As shown inFIG. 14 , UE#A and UE#B may be registered to the non-public network(NPN) identified by a Non-public network ID (NPN-ID). Service provider 1represented by SP #1, which may be a PLMN, provides the authorizedservice for UE #A. The service provider represented by SP#N, which maybe a 3^(rd) party service provider, provides an authorized service forUE#B. In an example, a UE may have a subscription with one or multipleService Providers, each of which may be identified with an SP ID. For aUE that has a subscription with a service provider that is a PLMN, theUE’s subscription data and authentication credentials may be stored atthe UDM/AUSF of the service provider. The network identification ofnon-public network may be given by NPN ID.

In an example, the SP-ID which is the identifier for the serviceprovider, may be advertised by the non-public network cell in the systeminformation. A given non-public network identified by NPN ID may supportmultiple SP-ID. For a service provider that is a PLMN, the SP-ID may bePLMN-ID. For a service provider that is not a PLMN, SP-ID may be thedomain name, and selection procedure may be based on domain name. In anexample, the UE may have a subscription with one or more serviceproviders. In an example, the RAN node in the non-public network maybroadcast a non-public network indicator, and the indicator may be forexample: a new non-public network indicator; or PLMN-MCC=999 to inhibit‘public UEs’ to access the non-public network; orcellReservedForOtherUse indication: existing bit in SIB. In an example,the RAN node in the non-public network may broadcast an NPN-ID. In anexample, the RAN node in the non-public network may broadcast asupported SP-IDs list. In an example, the UE may be configured with atleast one SP-ID for the service provider that owns the UE subscription.In an example, the UE may be configured with NPN ID or a list of NPN-IDsfor the NPNs that can provide the UE with the access to the SP that ownsthe UE subscription. In an example, the UE may be configured withauthentication parameters including credentials and/or an authenticationmethod of the configured SP-ID.

The operator may have a requirement that charging for a public networkbe different from charging for a non-public network (e.g. a privatenetwork for vertical industry and/or enterprise). If the same chargingcontrol rules are applied to various types of UEs, for example, a firsttype of UE employing CAG and a second type of UE that employs adifferent type of CAG or does not employ CAG, then operators may not beable to charge UE-specific rates. Existing technologies may have issuessupporting charging control for NPNs and/or CAGs and/or implementingquota control for NPNs and/or CAGs. For example, PCFs using existingtechnologies may have difficulty determining a charging control rule forNPNs and/or CAGs. Similarly, SMFs using existing technologies may havedifficulty determining a charging control rule for NPNs and/or CAGs.SMFs using existing technologies may also have difficulty mapping acharging control rule to a user plane rule for NPNs and/or CAGs.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide enhanced mechanisms toimplement charging control for an NPN and/or a CAG. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure provide enhanced mechanisms such that a PCF maydetermine a charging control rule based on an NPN and/or a CAG of aparticular UE. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide enhancedmechanisms such that an SMF may determine a charging control rule basedon an NPN and/or a CAG of a particular UE. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure provide enhanced mechanisms such that an SMF may map acharging control rule to a user plane rule for an NPN and/or a CAG of aparticular UE. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide enhancedmechanisms such that a CHF may determine quota information for an NPNand/or a CAG and send the quota information to an SMF for enforcement.These enhanced mechanisms may provide efficient solutions to supportcharging control for an NPN and/or a CAG, and these enhanced mechanismsmay meet the operator requirement that the charging for public networkand non-public network are different (e.g., a different charging rate).

FIG. 15 shows example call flows which may comprise one or more actions.A UE may determine to initiate a PDU session and send to an AMF a NASmessage comprising at least one of: S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) ofthe S-NSSAI(s), a DNN, a PDU session ID, Request type, or N1 SMcontainer (PDU session establishment request). The UE may initiate a UErequested PDU session establishment procedure by transmitting a PDUsession establishment request message within the N1 SM container of theNAS message. The PDU session establishment request message may compriseat least one of: the PDU session ID, Requested PDU Session Type, or aRequested SSC mode, etc. In an example, the NAS message may comprise anNPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). In an example, the PDU session establishmentrequest message may comprise the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). The NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s) may be applied for the PDU session and/or for the UEand/or for network slice (e.g. the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) ofthe S-NSSAI(s)) and/or the DNN. In an example, the UE may transmit theNAS message via a RAN node (e.g. gNB, base station). The UE maytransmit, to the RAN node, a radio resource control (RRC) message (e.g.uplink (UL) information transfer message, RRC setup complete message,RRC resume complete message, RRC reconfiguration complete message,and/or the like) comprising the NAS message. The RAN node may transmit,to the AMF, a N2 message (e.g. NG message, initial UE message, uplinkNAS transport message, reroute NAS request message, handover requestmessage, initial context setup request message, PDU session resourcesetup/modify response message, PDU session resource modify requiredmessage, and/or the like) comprising the NAS message.

In response to the NAS message received from the UE, the AMF may selectan SMF and send to the selected SMF a message (e.g.PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request) comprising at least one of: SUPI,the DNN, the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s), the PDUsession ID, AMF ID, Request Type, Priority Access, N1 SM container (PDUSession Establishment Request), User location information, Access Type,PEI). The message sent to the SMF may be used by the AMF to requestestablishing the PDU session. In response to thePDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message received from the AMF, theSMF may send to the AMF a response message (e.g.PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response) comprising at least one of: Cause,SM Context ID or N1 SM container (PDU Session Reject (Cause)).

The SMF may take one or more actions. In an example action, if PCC isdeployed, the SMF may send to a PCF a message (e.g. policy establishmentrequest) comprising at least one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s), atleast one UE identity (e.g. SUPI, PEI, and/or GPSI), at least one UE IPaddress (e.g. UE IPv4 address and/or UE IPv6 network prefix), Default5QI and default ARP, Type of PDU Session (e.g. IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6,Ethernet, Unstructured); Access Type (e.g. 3GPP access); RAT Type (e.g.3GPP-NR-FDD); a PLMN identifier; an application identifier; an allocatedapplication instance identifier; the DNN, the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSIID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s), the PDU session ID, user location information,or information of the SMF for the PDU session (e.g. SMF identifier, IPaddress or FQDN of the SMF).

In response to the policy establishment request message received fromthe SMF, the PCF may send to a UDR a message (e.g. subscriptionretrieval request) requesting user subscription information. Thesubscription retrieval request message sent to the UDR may comprise atleast one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s),the at least one UE identity(e.g. SUPI, PEI, and/or GPSI), the at least one UE IP address (e.g. UEIPv4 address and/or UE IPv6 network prefix), Default 5QI and defaultARP, Type of PDU Session (e.g. IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6, Ethernet,Unstructured); Access Type (e.g. 3GPP access); RAT Type (e.g.3GPP-NR-FDD); the PLMN identifier; the application identifier; theallocated application instance identifier; the DNN, the S-NSSAI(s)and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s), the PDU session ID, userlocation information, or information of the SMF for the PDU session(e.g. SMF identifier, IP address or FQDN of the SMF).

In response to the subscription retrieval request message received fromthe PCF, the UDR may take one or more actions. In an example action, theUDR may determine that a charging control information for NPN and/orCAG(s) is applied to a wireless device and/or network slice(s) and/or aPDU session, wherein the wireless device may be identified by the atleast one UE identity, the NPN may be identified by the NPN ID, theCAG(s) may be identified by the CAG ID(s), and the network slice(s) maybe identified by the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s),and the PDU session may be identified by the PDU session ID. In anexample, the UDR may determine the charging control information for theNPN and/or CAG(s) based on the operator policy, the local policy and/orthe configuration. In an example, the user subscription information maycomprise an indication that the charging control is applied to the NPNand/or CAG(s) for the wireless device. In an example, the usersubscription information may comprise at least one of: a charging ratefor an NPN and/or CAG(s), a charging method (e.g. offline charging,online charging, or converged charging) for the NPN and/or CAG(s), or anaddress of a charging function for the NPN and/or CAG(s). In an example,the UDR may determine the charging control information based on the usersubscription information. In an example, the charging controlinformation may comprise at least one of: a charging rate, a chargingmethod, or an address of a charging function. The charging method maycomprise at least one of: offline charging, online charging, orconverged charging. In an example action, the UDR may send to the PCF aresponse message (e.g. subscription retrieval response) comprising atleast one of: the charging control information for the NPN and/orCAG(s); the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the subscription retrieval response message received fromthe UDR, the PCF may take one or more actions. In an example action, thePCF may determine charging control policy for the NPN and/or CAG(s). ThePCF may determine a charging control rule for the NPN ID and/or CAGID(s) based on the information received from the UDR (e.g. chargingcontrol information) and/or the information received from the SMF (e.g.the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)) and/or the operator local policy. Thecharging control rule may comprise at least one of: a charging rate, acharging method, or an address of a charging function. The chargingmethod may comprise at least one of: offline charging, online charging,or converged charging. In an example, the PCF may determine a chargingrate (e.g. a flat rate) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the chargingcontrol information received from the UDR and/or operator local policy.In an example, the PCF may determine a charging method (e.g. offlinecharging) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the charging controlinformation received from the UDR and/or local operator policy. In anexample, the PCF may select a CHF (e.g. a specific CHF for an NPN and/ora CAG) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the charging controlinformation received from the UDR and/or local operator policy. In anexample, the charging control rule determined by the PCF may be appliedto the PDU session, a network slice (e.g. the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI IDof the S-NSSAI), a QoS flow and/or a service data flow for the NPNand/or CAG(s).

In an example action, the PCF may send to the SMF a message (e.g. policyestablishment response) comprising at least one of: the charging controlrules for the NPN and/or CAG; the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s); the PDUsession ID; the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI ID of the S-NSSAI.

In response to the policy establishment response message received fromthe PCF, the SMF may take one or more actions. In an example action, theSMF may send to the CHF a message (e.g. a charging data request)comprising at least one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s) for the PDUsession and/or the UE; the PDU session ID; the at least one UE identity;or the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI ID of the S-NSSAI.

In response to the charging data request message, the CHF may determinea quota for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the information received fromthe SMF (e.g. the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)). In an example, the quota maycomprise at least one of: a granted unit; a time quota threshold; or avolume quota threshold. In an example, the CHF may determine a highergranted unit for an NPN and/or a CAG. The CHF may send to the SMF aresponse message (e.g. charging data response) comprising the quotaand/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the charging data response, the SMF may take one or moreactions. In an example action, the SMF may enforce the quota. In anexample action, the SMF may enforce the charging control rule. In anexample action, the SMF may select a UPF for the NPN and/or CAG(s) basedon the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). In an example action, the SMF may selecta UPF for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the quota and/or the chargingcontrol rule. In an example action, the SMF may determine at least oneof the following user plane rules for the PDU session and/or the NPNand/or CAG(s) based on the quota and/or the charging control rule: atleast one packet detection rule; at least one forwarding action rule; atleast one QoS enforcement rule; or at least one usage reporting rule. Inan example, the SMF may map the charging control rule to the user planerules for the NPN and/or CAG(s). In an example action, the SMF may sendto the UPF a message comprising the at least one user plane rules and/orthe NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the message received from the SMF, the UPF may installthe user plane rules, send to the SMF a response message (e.g. N4session establishment/modification response), and enforce the user planerules received from the SMF.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one packet detectionrule by matching a user data/traffic packet with service data flowtemplate (e.g. service data flow filters and/or applicationidentifiers), and may apply other user plane rules (e.g. forwardingaction rule, QoS enforcement rule, and usage reporting rule) to thedata/traffic packets matched the packet detection rule.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one forwarding actionrule by forwarding, duplicating, dropping or buffering a data/trafficpacket respectively. In an example, the UPF may redirect the traffic toa web portal of the operator.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one QoS enforcement ruleby applying at least one of QoS parameters: 5QI, ARP, MBR, GBR to aservice data flow; In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least oneQoS enforcement rule by applying at least one of QoS parameters: SessionAMBR and default 5QI/ARP combination to a PDU session.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one usage reporting ruleby measuring network resources usage in terms of traffic data volume,duration (i.e. time) and/or events, according to a measurement method inthe usage reporting rule; the UPF may report the network resources usageto the SMF when the quota/threshold reached, and/or event and/or anothertrigger is (are) met.

In an example, the network resources usage reported to the SMF by theUPF may comprise traffic data volume, duration (i.e. time) applied to atleast one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s), the UE, the PDU session, aQoS flow, a service data flow, an application, a network slice, or adata network.

The SMF may map the received network resources usage to the NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s) and/or PDU session and/or network slice and/or the UE.The SMF may send to the CHF a message (e.g. charging data request[update]) comprising the network resources usage and/or the NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s). The CHF may determine/update a new quota and send thenew quota to the SMF in a response message (e.g. charging data response[update]). FIG. 16 is an example diagram depicting the procedures of PCFas per an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 isan example diagram depicting the procedures of SMF as per an aspect ofan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows example call flows which may comprise one or more actions.A UE may have already established a PDU session via base station, AMF,SMF, PCF, and/or UPF. The UE may send to an AF an NPN ID and/or CAGID(s) via application signaling message (e.g. SIP/SDP). The AF may sendto a PCF a message (e.g. application/service information provision)providing application/service information to the PCF. Theapplication/service information provision message may be sent to the PCFvia a NEF. The application/service information provision message maycomprise at least one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s), a serviceprovider public land mobile network identifier (SP PLMN ID); at leastone UE IP address (e.g. UE IPv4 address and/or UE IPv6 network prefix),at least one UE identity (e.g. SUPI, PEI, and/or GPSI), a DNN, orapplication/service information. The application/service information maycomprise one or more of the following information elements: IP filterinformation to identify a service data flow of the application service,an application identifier, a media/application/service type, andrequested media/application/service QoS (e.g. 5QI, ARP, and/orbandwidth).

In response to the application/service information provision messagereceived from the AF, the PCF may take one or more actions. In anexample action, the PCF may map the SP PLMN ID and/or the NPN ID and/orCAG ID(s) and/or the application/service information to a PDU sessionand/or network slice(s) for a wireless device based on the at least oneUE IP address and/or the DNN and/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s), e.g.the at least one UE IP address and/or the DNN and/or the NPN ID and/orCAG ID(s) received from the AF is(are) the same as the one(s) receivedfrom the SMF. In an example, the PCF may map the SP PLMN ID and/or theNPN ID and/or CAG ID(s) and/or the application/service information tothe PDU session and/or S-NSSAI and/or NSI ID of the S-NSSAI associatedwith the PDU session.

In an example action, based on the local operator policy and/or theinformation received from the SMF, and/or the information received fromthe AF, the PCF may determine/update charging control rules for the SPPLMN and/or the NPN and/or CAG(s) applied to the PDU session and/or thenetwork slice(s) of the UE. In an example, the PCF may determine acharging rate (e.g. a flat rate) for the SP PLMN and/or the NPN and/orCAG(s) based on the SP PLMN ID and/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s) and/orinformation received from a UDR and/or local operator policy. In anexample, the PCF may determine a charging method (e.g. convergedcharging) for the SP PLMN and/or the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the SPPLMN ID and/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s) and/or information receivedfrom the UDR and/or local operator policy. In an example, the PCF mayselect a CHF (e.g. a specific CHF for the SP PLMN and/or the NPN and/orCAG(s)) based on the SP PLMN ID and/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)and/or charging control information received from the UDR and/or localoperator policy. In an example, the charging control rule determined bythe PCF may be applied to the PDU session, the network slice (e.g. theS-NSSAI and/or the NSI ID of the S-NSSAI), a QoS flow and/or a servicedata flow for the NPN and/or CAG(s).

In an example action, the PCF may send to the SMF a message (e.g. policyassociation modification) comprising at least one of: the chargingcontrol rules for the SP PLMN and/or the NPN and/or CAG; the SP PLMN ID;the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s); the PDU session ID; the S-NSSAI and/or theNSI ID of the S-NSSAI.

In response to the policy association modification message received fromthe PCF, the SMF may take one or more actions. In an example action, theSMF may send to the CHF a message (e.g. a charging data request)comprising at least one of: the SP PLMN ID; the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)for the PDU session and/or the UE; the PDU session ID; the at least oneUE identity; or the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI ID of the S-NSSAI.

In response to the charging data request message, the CHF may determinea quota for the SP PLMN and/or the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on theinformation received from the SMF (e.g. the SP PLMN ID, the NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s)). In an example, the quota may comprise at least oneof: a granted unit; a time quota threshold; or a volume quota threshold.In an example, the CHF may determine different granted unit fordifferent SP PLMN and/or NPN and/or CAG(s). The CHF may send to the SMFa response message (e.g. charging data response) comprising the quotaand/or the SP PLMN ID and/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the charging data response, the SMF may take one or moreactions. In an example action, the SMF may enforce the quota. In anexample action, the SMF may enforce the charging control rule. In anexample action, the SMF may reuse an existing UPF for the PDU session.In an example action, the SMF may select a new UPF for the SP PLMNand/or the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the SP PLMN ID and/or the NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s). In an example action, the SMF may select a UPF for theSP PLMN and/or the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the quota and/or thecharging control rule. In an example action, the SMF may determine atleast one of the following user plane rules for the PDU session and/orthe SP PLMN and/or the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the quota and/or thecharging control rule: at least one packet detection rule; at least oneforwarding action rule; at least one QoS enforcement rule; or at leastone usage reporting rule. In an example, the SMF may map the chargingcontrol rule to the user plane rules for the SP PLMN and/or NPN and/orCAG(s). In an example action, the SMF may send to the UPF a messagecomprising the at least one user plane rules and/or the SP PLMN IDand/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the message received from the SMF, the UPF may installthe user plane rules, send to the SMF a response message (e.g. N4session establishment/modification response), and enforce the user planerules received from the SMF.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one packet detectionrule by matching a user data/traffic packet with service data flowtemplate (e.g. service data flow filters and/or applicationidentifiers), and may apply other user plane rules (e.g. forwardingaction rule, QoS enforcement rule, and usage reporting rule) to thedata/traffic packets matched the packet detection rule.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one forwarding actionrule by forwarding, duplicating, dropping or buffering a data/trafficpacket respectively. In an example, the UPF may redirect the traffic toa web portal of the operator.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one QoS enforcement ruleby applying at least one of QoS parameters: 5QI, ARP, MBR, GBR to aservice data flow; In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least oneQoS enforcement rule by applying at least one of QoS parameters: SessionAMBR and default 5QI/ARP combination to a PDU session.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one usage reporting ruleby measuring network resources usage in terms of traffic data volume,duration (i.e. time) and/or events, according to a measurement method inthe usage reporting rule; the UPF may report the network resources usageto the SMF when the quota/threshold reached, and/or event and/or anothertrigger is (are) met.

In an example, the network resources usage reported to the SMF by theUPF may comprise traffic data volume, duration (i.e. time) applied to atleast one of: the SP PLMN ID and/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s), the UE,the PDU session, a service data flow, an application, a network slice,or a data network.

The SMF may map the received network resources usage to the SP PLMN IDand/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s) and/or PDU session and/or networkslice and/or the UE. The SMF may send to the CHF a message (e.g.charging data request [update]) comprising the network resources usageand/or the SP PLMN ID and/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). The CHF maydetermine/update a new quota and send the new quota to the SMF in aresponse message (e.g. charging data response [update]).

FIG. 19 shows example call flows which may comprise one or more actions.A UE may determine to initiate a PDU session and send to an AMF a NASmessage comprising at least one of: S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) ofthe S-NSSAI(s), a DNN, a PDU session ID, Request type, or N1 SMcontainer (PDU session establishment request). The UE may initiate a UErequested PDU session establishment procedure by transmitting a PDUsession establishment request message within the N1 SM container of theNAS message. The PDU session establishment request message may compriseat least one of: the PDU session ID, Requested PDU Session Type, or aRequested SSC mode, etc. In an example, the NAS message may comprise anNPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). In an example, the PDU session establishmentrequest message may comprise the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). The NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s) may be applied for the PDU session and/or for the UE.In an example, the UE may transmit the NAS message via a RAN node (e.g.gNB, base station). The UE may transmit, to the RAN node, a radioresource control (RRC) message (e.g. uplink (UL) information transfermessage, RRC setup complete message, RRC resume complete message, RRCreconfiguration complete message, and/or the like) comprising the NASmessage. The RAN node may transmit, to the AMF, a N2 message (e.g. NGmessage, initial UE message, uplink NAS transport message, reroute NASrequest message, handover request message, initial context setup requestmessage, PDU session resource setup/modify response message, PDU sessionresource modify required message, and/or the like) comprising the NASmessage.

In response to the NAS message received from the UE, the AMF may selectan SMF and send to the selected SMF a message (e.g.PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request) comprising at least one of: SUPI,the DNN, the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s), the PDUsession ID, AMF ID, Request Type, Priority Access, N1 SM container (PDUSession Establishment Request), User location information, Access Type,PEI). The message sent to the SMF may be used by the AMF to requestestablishing the PDU session. In response to thePDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message received from the AMF, theSMF may send to the AMF a response message (e.g.PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response) comprising at least one of: Cause,SM Context ID or N1 SM container (PDU Session Reject (Cause)).

The SMF may take one or more actions. In an example action, if PCC isnot deployed, the SMF may send to a UDM a message (e.g. subscriptionretrieval request) requesting user subscription information. Thesubscription retrieval request message sent to the UDM may comprise atleast one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s),the at least one UE identity(e.g. SUPI, PEI, and/or GPSI), the at least one UE IP address (e.g. UEIPv4 address and/or UE IPv6 network prefix), Default 5QI and defaultARP, Type of PDU Session (e.g. IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6, Ethernet,Unstructured); Access Type (e.g. 3GPP access); RAT Type (e.g.3GPP-NR-FDD); the PLMN identifier; the application identifier; theallocated application instance identifier; the DNN, the S-NSSAI(s)and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s), the PDU session ID, userlocation information, or information of the SMF for the PDU session(e.g. SMF identifier, IP address or FQDN of the SMF).

In response to the subscription retrieval request message received fromthe SMF, the UDM may take one or more actions. In an example action, theUDM may determine that a charging control information for NPN and/orCAG(s) is applied to a wireless device and/or network slice(s) and/or aPDU session and/or a DNN, wherein the wireless device may be identifiedby the at least one UE identity, the NPN may be identified by the NPNID, the CAG(s) may be identified by the CAG ID(s), the network slice(s)may be identified by the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) of theS-NSSAI(s), the PDU session may be identified by the PDU session ID, andthe data network may be identified by the DNN. In an example, the UDMmay determine the charging control information for NPN and/or CAG(s)based on the operator policy, the local policy and/or the configuration.In an example, the user subscription information may comprise anindication that the charging control is applied to the NPN and/or CAG(s)for the wireless device. In an example, the user subscriptioninformation may comprise at least one of: a charging rate for an NPNand/or CAG(s), a charging method (e.g. offline charging, onlinecharging, or converged charging) for the NPN and/or CAG(s), or anaddress of a charging function for the NPN and/or CAG(s). In an example,the UDM may determine the charging control information based on the usersubscription information. In an example, the charging controlinformation may comprise at least one of: a charging rate, a chargingmethod, or an address of a charging function. The charging method maycomprise at least one of: offline charging, online charging, orconverged charging. In an example action, the UDM may send to the SMF aresponse message (e.g. subscription retrieval response) comprising atleast one of: the charging control information for the NPN and/orCAG(s); the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the subscription retrieval response message received fromthe UDM, the SMF may determine charging control policy for the NPN andCAG(s). The SMF may determine a charging control rule for the NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s) based on the information received from the UDM (e.g.charging control information) and/or the information received from theAMF (e.g. the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)) and/or the local operator policy.The charging control rule may comprise at least one of: a charging rate,a charging method, or an address of a charging function. The chargingmethod may comprise at least one of: offline charging, online charging,or converged charging. In an example, the SMF may determine a chargingrate (e.g. a flat rate) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the chargingcontrol information received from the UDM and/or local operator policy.In an example, the SMF may determine a charging method (e.g. offlinecharging) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the charging controlinformation received from the UDM and/or operator local policy. In anexample, the SMF may select a CHF (e.g. a specific CHF for an NPN and/ora CAG) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the charging controlinformation received from the UDM and/or operator local policy. In anexample, the charging control rule determined by the SMF may be appliedto the PDU session, a network slice (e.g. the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI IDof the S-NSSAI), a QoS flow and/or a service data flow for the NPNand/or CAG(s).

In an example action, the SMF may send to the CHF a message (e.g. acharging data request) comprising at least one of: the NPN ID and/or CAGID(s) for the PDU session and/or the UE; the PDU session ID; the atleast one UE identity; or the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI ID of the S-NSSAI.

In response to the charging data request message, the CHF may determinea quota for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the information received fromthe SMF (e.g. the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)). In an example, the quota maycomprise at least one of: a granted unit; a time quota threshold; or avolume quota threshold. In an example, the CHF may determine a highergranted unit for an NPN and/or a CAG. The CHF may send to the SMF aresponse message (e.g. charging data response) comprising the quotaand/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the charging data response, the SMF may take one or moreactions. In an example action, the SMF may enforce the quota. In anexample action, the SMF may enforce the charging control rule. In anexample action, the SMF may select a UPF for the NPN and/or CAG(s) basedon the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). In an example action, the SMF may selecta UPF for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the quota and/or the chargingcontrol rule. In an example action, the SMF may determine at least oneof the following user plane rules for the PDU session and/or the NPNand/or CAG(s) based on the quota and/or the charging control rule: atleast one packet detection rule; at least one forwarding action rule; atleast one QoS enforcement rule; or at least one usage reporting rule. Inan example, the SMF may map the charging control rule to the user planerules for the NPN and/or CAG(s). In an example action, the SMF may sendto the UPF a message comprising the at least one user plane rules and/orthe NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the message received from the SMF, the UPF may installthe user plane rules, send to the SMF a response message (e.g. N4session establishment/modification response), and enforce the user planerules received from the SMF.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one packet detectionrule by matching a user data/traffic packet with service data flowtemplate (e.g. service data flow filters and/or applicationidentifiers), and may apply other user plane rules (e.g. forwardingaction rule, QoS enforcement rule, and usage reporting rule) to thedata/traffic packets matched the packet detection rule.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one forwarding actionrule by forwarding, duplicating, dropping or buffering a data/trafficpacket respectively. In an example, the UPF may redirect the traffic toa web portal of the operator.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one QoS enforcement ruleby applying at least one of QoS parameters: 5QI, ARP, MBR, GBR to aservice data flow; In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least oneQoS enforcement rule by applying at least one of QoS parameters: SessionAMBR and default 5QI/ARP combination to a PDU session.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one usage reporting ruleby measuring network resources usage in terms of traffic data volume,duration (i.e. time) and/or events, according to a measurement method inthe usage reporting rule; the UPF may report the network resources usageto the SMF when the quota/threshold reached, and/or event and/or anothertrigger is (are) met.

In an example, the network resources usage reported to the SMF by theUPF may comprise traffic data volume, duration (i.e. time) applied to atleast one of: the SP PLMN ID and/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s), the UE,the PDU session, a service data flow, an application, a network slice,or a data network.

The SMF may map the received network resources usage to the NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s) and/or PDU session and/or network slice and/or the UE.The SMF may send to the CHF a message (e.g. charging data request[update]) comprising the network resources usage of the NPN ID and/orCAG ID(s). The CHF may determine/update a new quota and send the newquota to the SMF in a response message (e.g. charging data response[update]).

FIG. 20 shows example call flows which may comprise one or more actions.A UE may send to an AMF a NAS message (e.g. service request message)comprising at least one of: S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) of theS-NSSAI(s), a DNN, a PDU session ID, or a Request type. In an example,the NAS message may comprise an NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). The NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s) may be applied for the PDU session and/or for the UEand/or for network slice (e.g. the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) ofthe S-NSSAI(s)) and/or the DNN. In an example, the UE may transmit theNAS message via a RAN node (e.g. gNB, base station). The UE maytransmit, to the RAN node, a radio resource control (RRC) message (e.g.uplink (UL) information transfer message, RRC setup complete message,RRC resume complete message, RRC reconfiguration complete message,and/or the like) comprising the NAS message. The RAN node may transmit,to the AMF, a N2 message (e.g. NG message, initial UE message, uplinkNAS transport message, reroute NAS request message, handover requestmessage, initial context setup request message, PDU session resourcesetup/modify response message, PDU session resource modify requiredmessage, and/or the like) comprising the NAS message.

In response to the NAS message received from the UE, the AMF may selectan SMF and send to the selected SMF a message (e.g.PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request) comprising at least one of: SUPI,the DNN, the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s), the PDUsession ID, AMF ID, Request Type, Priority Access, User locationinformation, Access Type, PEI). In response to thePDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message received from the AMF, theSMF may send to the AMF a response message (e.g.PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response) comprising at least one of: Cause,SM Context ID or N1 SM container (PDU Session Reject (Cause)).

The SMF may take one or more actions. In an example action, if PCC isdeployed, the SMF may send to a PCF a message (e.g. policyestablishment/modification request) comprising at least one of: the NPNID and/or CAG ID(s), at least one UE identity (e.g. SUPI, PEI, and/orGPSI), at least one UE IP address (e.g. UE IPv4 address and/or UE IPv6network prefix), Default 5QI and default ARP, Type of PDU Session (e.g.IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6, Ethernet, Unstructured); Access Type (e.g. 3GPPaccess); RAT Type (e.g. 3GPP-NR-FDD); a PLMN identifier; an applicationidentifier; an allocated application instance identifier; the DNN, theS-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s), the PDU session ID,user location information, or information of the SMF for the PDU session(e.g. SMF identifier, IP address or FQDN of the SMF).

In response to the policy establishment/modification request messagereceived from the SMF, the PCF may send to a UDR a message (e.g.subscription retrieval request) requesting user subscriptioninformation. The subscription retrieval request message sent to the UDRmay comprise at least one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s),the at leastone UE identity (e.g. SUPI, PEI, and/or GPSI), the at least one UE IPaddress (e.g. UE IPv4 address and/or UE IPv6 network prefix), Default5QI and default ARP, Type of PDU Session (e.g. IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6,Ethernet, Unstructured); Access Type (e.g. 3GPP access); RAT Type (e.g.3GPP-NR-FDD); the PLMN identifier; the application identifier; theallocated application instance identifier; the DNN, the S-NSSAI(s)and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s), the PDU session ID, userlocation information, or information of the SMF for the PDU session(e.g. SMF identifier, IP address or FQDN of the SMF).

In response to the subscription retrieval request message received fromthe PCF, the UDR may take one or more actions. In an example action, theUDR may determine that a charging control information for NPN and/orCAG(s) is applied to a wireless device and/or network slice(s) and/or aPDU session, wherein the wireless device may be identified by the atleast one UE identity, the NPN may be identified by the NPN ID, theCAG(s) may be identified by the CAG ID(s), and the network slice(s) maybe identified by the S-NSSAI(s) and/or the NSI ID(s) of the S-NSSAI(s),and the PDU session may be identified by the PDU session ID. In anexample, the UDR may determine the charging control information for theNPN and/or CAG(s) based on the operator policy, the local policy and/orthe configuration. In an example, the user subscription information maycomprise an indication that the charging control is applied to the NPNand/or CAG(s) for the wireless device. In an example, the usersubscription information may comprise at least one of: a charging ratefor an NPN and/or CAG(s), a charging method (e.g. offline charging,online charging, or converged charging) for the NPN and/or CAG(s), or anaddress of a charging function for the NPN and/or CAG(s). In an example,the UDR may determine the charging control information based on the usersubscription information. In an example, the charging controlinformation may comprise at least one of: a charging rate, a chargingmethod, or an address of a charging function. The charging method maycomprise at least one of: offline charging, online charging, orconverged charging. In an example action, the UDR may send to the PCF aresponse message (e.g. subscription retrieval response) comprising atleast one of: the charging control information for the NPN and/orCAG(s); the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the subscription retrieval response message received fromthe UDR, the PCF may take one or more actions. In an example action, thePCF may determine charging control policy for the NPN and/or CAG(s). ThePCF may determine a charging control rule for the NPN ID and/or CAGID(s) based on the information received from the UDR (e.g. chargingcontrol information) and/or the information received from the SMF (e.g.the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)) and/or the operator local policy. Thecharging control rule may comprise at least one of: a charging rate, acharging method, or an address of a charging function. The chargingmethod may comprise at least one of: offline charging, online charging,or converged charging. In an example, the PCF may determine a chargingrate (e.g. a flat rate) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the chargingcontrol information received from the UDR and/or operator local policy.In an example, the PCF may determine a charging method (e.g. offlinecharging) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the charging controlinformation received from the UDR and/or local operator policy. In anexample, the PCF may select a CHF (e.g. a specific CHF for an NPN and/ora CAG) for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the charging controlinformation received from the UDR and/or local operator policy. In anexample, the charging control rule determined by the PCF may be appliedto the PDU session, a network slice (e.g. the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI IDof the S-NSSAI), a QoS flow and/or a service data flow for the NPNand/or CAG(s).

In an example action, the PCF may send to the SMF a message (e.g. policyestablishment/modification response) comprising at least one of: thecharging control rules for the NPN and/or CAG; the NPN ID and/or CAGID(s); the PDU session ID; the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI ID of the S-NSSAI.

In response to the policy establishment/modification response messagereceived from the PCF, the SMF may take one or more actions. In anexample action, the SMF may send to the CHF a message (e.g. a chargingdata request) comprising at least one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)for the PDU session and/or the UE; the PDU session ID; the at least oneUE identity; or the S-NSSAI and/or the NSI ID of the S-NSSAI.

In response to the charging data request message, the CHF may determinea quota for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the information received fromthe SMF (e.g. the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s)). In an example, the quota maycomprise at least one of: a granted unit; a time quota threshold; or avolume quota threshold. In an example, the CHF may determine a highergranted unit for an NPN and/or a CAG. The CHF may send to the SMF aresponse message (e.g. charging data response) comprising the quotaand/or the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the charging data response, the SMF may take one or moreactions. In an example action, the SMF may enforce the quota. In anexample action, the SMF may enforce the charging control rule. In anexample action, the SMF may select a UPF for the NPN and/or CAG(s) basedon the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s). In an example action, the SMF may selecta UPF for the NPN and/or CAG(s) based on the quota and/or the chargingcontrol rule. In an example action, the SMF may determine at least oneof the following user plane rules for the PDU session and/or the NPNand/or CAG(s) based on the quota and/or the charging control rule: atleast one packet detection rule; at least one forwarding action rule; atleast one QoS enforcement rule; or at least one usage reporting rule. Inan example, the SMF may map the charging control rule to the user planerules for the NPN and/or CAG(s). In an example action, the SMF may sendto the UPF a message comprising the at least one user plane rules and/orthe NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s).

In response to the message received from the SMF, the UPF may installthe user plane rules, send to the SMF a response message (e.g. N4session establishment/modification response), and enforce the user planerules received from the SMF.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one packet detectionrule by matching a user data/traffic packet with service data flowtemplate (e.g. service data flow filters and/or applicationidentifiers), and may apply other user plane rules (e.g. forwardingaction rule, QoS enforcement rule, and usage reporting rule) to thedata/traffic packets matched the packet detection rule.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one forwarding actionrule by forwarding, duplicating, dropping or buffering a data/trafficpacket respectively. In an example, the UPF may redirect the traffic toa web portal of the operator.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one QoS enforcement ruleby applying at least one of QoS parameters: 5QI, ARP, MBR, GBR to aservice data flow; In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least oneQoS enforcement rule by applying at least one of QoS parameters: SessionAMBR and default 5QI/ARP combination to a PDU session.

In an example, the UPF may enforce the at least one usage reporting ruleby measuring network resources usage in terms of traffic data volume,duration (i.e. time) and/or events, according to a measurement method inthe usage reporting rule; the UPF may report the network resources usageto the SMF when the quota/threshold reached, and/or event and/or anothertrigger is (are) met.

In an example, the network resources usage reported to the SMF by theUPF may comprise traffic data volume, duration (i.e. time) applied to atleast one of: the NPN ID and/or CAG ID(s), the UE, the PDU session, aQoS flow, a service data flow, an application, a network slice, or adata network.

The SMF may map the received network resources usage to the NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s) and/or PDU session and/or network slice and/or the UE.The SMF may send to the CHF a message (e.g. charging data request[update]) comprising the network resources usage and/or the NPN IDand/or CAG ID(s). The CHF may determine/update a new quota and send thenew quota to the SMF in a response message (e.g. charging data response[update]). FIG. 16 is an example diagram depicting the procedures of PCFas per an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 isan example diagram depicting the procedures of SMF as per an aspect ofan embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an example, a policy control function (PCF) may receive from asession management function (SMF), a first message requesting policyestablishment for a packet data unit (PDU) session of the wirelessdevice, the first message comprising at least one closed access groupidentifier (CAG ID). In an example, the PCF may receive from a unifieddata repository (UDR) a subscription response message comprising: the atleast one CAG ID; and a charging control information for the at leastone CAG ID. In an example, the PCF may determine a charging control rulefor the at least one CAG ID of the PDU session based on the at least oneCAG ID and the charging control information for the at least one CAG ID,wherein the charging control rule comprises: a charging rate for the atleast one CAG ID; a charging method for the at least one CAG ID; and anaddress of a charging function for the at least one CAG ID. In anexample, the PCF may send to the SMF, a second message comprising thecharging control rule. In an example, the first message furthercomprises at least one of: an identity of the wireless device; a PDUsession identifier; a first single network slice selection assistanceinformation (S-NSSAI); or a first network slice instance identifier forthe first S-NSSAI. In an example, the at least one CAG ID may compriseat least one identifier of a non-public network (NPN ID). In an example,the PCF may send to the UDR, a subscription request message for the atleast one CAG ID and the first PDU session, the subscription requestmessage comprises at least one of: the at least one CAG ID; an identityof the wireless device; or a PDU session identifier. In an example, theSMF may receive from an access and mobility management function (AMF), aPDU session create request message comprising the at least one CAG ID.In an example, the SMF may send to the CHF, a first charging requestmessage for the at least one CAG ID and the PDU session comprising theat least one CAG ID. In an example, the CHF may determine a first quotainformation for the at least one CAG ID based on the at least one CAGID, wherein the first quota information comprises at least one of: theat least one CAG ID; a granted unit; a time quota threshold; or a volumequota threshold. In an example, the CHF may send to the SMF, a firstcharging response message comprising the first quota information. In anexample, the SMF may determine at least one user plane rule for the atleast one CAG ID based on the first quota information. In an example,the SMF may determine at least one user plane rule for the at least oneCAG ID based on the charging control rule. In an example, the SMF maysend to a UPF, the at least one user plane rule and the at least one CAGID. In an example, the at least one user plane rule comprises at leastone of: at least one packet detection rule; or at least one usagereporting rule. In an example, the UPF may detect and collect theresource usage for the at least one CAG ID. In an example, the resourceusage may comprise at least one of: time usage for the at least one CAGID; or volume usage for the at least one CAG ID. In an example, the UPFmay send to the SMF, the resource usage for the at least one CAG ID. Inan example, the SMF may send to the CHF, a second charging requestmessage comprising the resource usage. In an example, the CHF maydetermine, a second quota information for the at least one CAG ID basedon the resource usage. In an example, the CHF may send to the SMF, asecond charging response message comprising the second quotainformation. In an example, the charging control information for the atleast one CAG ID may comprise a subscription charging rate for the atleast one CAG ID. In an example, the charging control information forthe at least one CAG ID comprises a subscription address of an CHF forthe at least one CAG ID.

In an example, a session management function (SMF) may receive from anaccess and mobility management function (AMF), an establishment requestmessage for a packet data unit (PDU) session of a wireless device, theestablishment request message may comprise a closed access groupidentifier (CAG ID) for the PDU session and for the wireless device. Inan example, the SMF may send to a policy control function (PCF) a policyestablishment request comprising the CAG ID. In an example, the SMF mayreceive from the PCF, a policy establishment response message comprisinga charging control rule, wherein the charging control rule comprises: acharging rate for the CAG ID; a charging method for the CAG ID; and anaddress of a CHF for the CAG ID. In an example, the SMF may send to acharging function (CHF), a charging data request message comprising theCAG ID. In an example, the SMF may receive from the CHF, a charging dataresponse message comprising a quota information for the CAG ID. In anexample, the SMF may determine a user plane rule for the CAG ID based onthe charging control rule and the quota information. In an example, theSMF may select a user plane function (UPF) based on the CAG ID. In anexample, the SMF may send to the UPF, the user plane rule, wherein theuser plane rule comprises: at least one packet detection rule; or atleast one usage reporting rule.

In an example, a charging function (CHF) may receive from a sessionmanagement function (SMF), a charging data request message comprising aclosed access group identifier (CAG ID) for a packet data unit session.In an example, the CHF may determine a quota information for the CAG ID,wherein the quota information comprises at least one of: a granted unit;a time quota threshold; or a volume quota threshold; and sending, by theCHF to the SMF, the quota information.

In an example, a policy control function (PCF) may receive from anapplication function (AF), a service information provisional message,the service information provisional message comprises: a close accessgroup identifier (CAG ID); a service provider public land mobile networkidentifier (SP PLMN ID); an identifier of a wireless device; and serviceinformation for the wireless device. In an example, the PCF may map theSP PLMN ID and the service information to an internet protocolconnectivity access network (IP-CAN) session based on the CAG ID and theidentifier of the wireless device. In an example, the PCF mayupdate/create a charging control rule for the CAG ID and the SP PLMN ID,wherein the charging control rule comprises: a charging rate for the CAGID and the SP PLMN ID; a charging method for the CAG ID and the SP PLMNID; and an address of a charging function for the CAG ID and the SP PLMNID. In an example, the PCF may send to the SMF, the charging controlrule.

According to various embodiments, a device such as, for example, awireless device, off-network wireless device, a base station, a sessionmanagement function, a policy control function, an application function,an access and mobility management function, a user plane function, aunified data management, a charging function and/or the like, maycomprise one or more processors and memory. The memory may storeinstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe device to perform a series of actions. Embodiments of exampleactions are illustrated in the accompanying figures and specification.Features from various embodiments may be combined to create yet furtherembodiments.

According to various embodiments, a session management function (SMF)may receive from an access and mobility management function (AMF), amessage comprising a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of aPLMN of a wireless device. According to various embodiments, the SMF maysend to a policy control function (PCF), a policy request messagecomprising: a non-public network (NPN) identifier of an NPN throughwhich the wireless device accesses the PLMN; and the PLMN identifier ofthe PLMN. According to various embodiments, the SMF may receive from thePCF a policy response message comprising a charging control policy.According to various embodiments, the SMF may send to a chargingfunction (CHF), a charging data request message based on the policyresponse message, wherein the charging data request message comprisesthe PLMN identifier.

According to various embodiments, the charging control policy may bedetermined based on the NPN identifier and the PLMN identifier.According to various embodiments, the message may further comprise atleast one of: the NPN identifier; a wireless device identifier of thewireless device; a data network name (DNN); a single network sliceselection assistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or a packet data unit(PDU) session identifier. According to various embodiments, the messagemay further comprise a PDU session establishment request message,wherein the PDU session establishment request message may comprise atleast one of: the NPN identifier; and/or a packet data unit (PDU)session identifier. According to various embodiments, the NPN identifieris applied to at least one of: the wireless device; the DNN; a networkslice identified by the S-NSSAI; and the PDU session identified by thePDU session identifier. According to various embodiments, the policyrequest message may further comprise at least one of: a wireless deviceidentifier; a data network name (DNN); a single network slice selectionassistance information (S-NSSAI); or a packet data unit (PDU) sessionidentifier. According to various embodiments, the PCF may send to aunified data repository (UDR), a subscription request message for a NPN,and a packet data unit (PDU) session, wherein the subscription requestmessage may comprise at least one of: the NPN identifier; the PLMNidentifier; the wireless device identifier; a PDU session identifier; ora single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).According to various embodiments, the UDR may determine a chargingcontrol information applying to at least one of: the NPN; the wirelessdevice; the PDU session; the S-NSSAI; and/or the DNN. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may receive from the UDR, a subscriptionresponse message comprising at least one of: a charging controlinformation for the NPN; and/or the NPN identifier. According to variousembodiments, based on the charging control information for the NPN, thePCF may determine a charging control rule for the NPN, wherein thecharging control rule may comprise at least one of: a charging rate forthe NPN; a charging method for the NPN; and/or an address of a chargingfunction for the NPN. According to various embodiments, the PCF may sendto the SMF, a policy response message comprising at least one of: thecharging control rule; the NPN identifier; the PDU session identifier;and/or the S-NSSAI. According to various embodiments, the AMF mayreceive from the wireless device, a Non-access stratum messagecomprising at least one of: a S-NSSAI; a DNN; and/or a PDU sessionidentifier.

According to various embodiments, the AMF may receive from the wirelessdevice, a Non-access stratum message comprising a PDU sessionestablishment request message, wherein the PDU session establishmentrequest message may comprise at least one of: the NPN identifier; and/ora PDU session identifier. According to various embodiments, the chargingdata request message may further comprise at least one of: the NPNidentifier; a wireless device identifier; a PDU session identifier; or asingle network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).According to various embodiments, based on the NPN identifier, the CHFmay determine a first quota information for the NPN, wherein the firstquota information may comprise at least one of: the NPN identifier; agranted unit; a time quota threshold; and/or a volume quota threshold.According to various embodiments, the CHF may send to the SMF, acharging response message comprising the first quota information.According to various embodiments, the SMF may send to a UPF, a userplane message comprising at least one of: a user plane rule; and/or theidentifier. According to various embodiments, the UPF may detect andcollect resource usage for the NPN, wherein the resource usage maycomprise at least one of: time usage for the NPN; and/or volume usagefor the NPN. According to various embodiments, the UPF may send to theSMF, the resource usage for the NPN. According to various embodiments,the SMF may send to the CHF, a second charging request messagecomprising a resource usage for the NPN.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure. At 2110, a session management function (SMF) maysend to a policy control function (PCF), a policy request messagecomprising: a non-public network (NPN) identifier of an NPN throughwhich a wireless device accesses a public land mobile network (PLMN);and/or a PLMN identifier of the PLMN. At 2120, the SMF may receive fromthe PCF, a policy response message comprising a charging control policy.

According to various embodiments, the charging control policy may bedetermined based on the NPN identifier and the PLMN identifier.According to various embodiments, the SMF may receive from an access andmobility management function (AMF), a message comprising one or more ofthe NPN identifier and the PLMN identifier. According to variousembodiments, the SMF may send to a charging function (CHF), a chargingdata request message based on the policy response message. According tovarious embodiments, the charging data request message may comprise thePLMN identifier. According to various embodiments, the policy requestmessage may further comprise at least one of: a wireless deviceidentifier of the wireless device; a data network name (DNN); a singlenetwork slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or apacket data unit (PDU) session identifier. According to variousembodiments, a session management function (SMF) may send to a policycontrol function (PCF), a policy request message comprising: anon-public network (NPN) identifier of an NPN through which a wirelessdevice accesses a public land mobile network (PLMN); and/or a PLMNidentifier of the PLMN. According to various embodiments, the SMF mayreceive from the PCF a policy response message comprising a chargingcontrol policy, wherein the charging control policy may be determinedbased on the NPN identifier and the PLMN identifier. According tovarious embodiments, the SMF may send to a charging function (CHF), acharging data request message based on the policy response message,wherein the charging data request message may comprise the PLMNidentifier. According to various embodiments, the SMF may receive froman access and mobility management function (AMF), a message comprisingone or more of the NPN identifier and the PLMN identifier. According tovarious embodiments, the policy request message may further comprise atleast one of: a wireless device identifier of the wireless device; adata network name (DNN); a single network slice selection assistanceinformation (S-NSSAI); and/or a packet data unit (PDU) sessionidentifier. According to various embodiments, a session managementfunction (SMF) may receive from an access and mobility managementfunction (AMF), a message comprising a wireless device identifier of awireless device, a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of thewireless device, a non-public network (NPN) identifier of an NPN throughwhich the wireless device accesses the PLMN, and one or more of: a datanetwork name (DNN); a single network slice selection assistanceinformation (S-NSSAI); and/or a packet data unit (PDU) sessionidentifier. According to various embodiments, the SMF may send to apolicy control function (PCF), a policy request message comprising thewireless device identifier, the PLMN identifier, the NPN identifier, andone or more of: the DNN; the S-NSSAI; and/or the PDU session identifier.According to various embodiments, based on the NPN identifier, the PLMNidentifier, and a charging control information for the NPN received froma unified data repository (UDR), the PCF may determine a chargingcontrol policy. According to various embodiments, the SMF may receivefrom the PCF, a policy response message comprising the charging controlpolicy. According to various embodiments, the SMF may send to a chargingfunction (CHF), a charging data request message based on the policyresponse message, wherein the charging data request message may comprisethe PLMN identifier.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure. At 2210, a policy control function (PCF) mayreceive from a session management function (SMF), a message comprising:a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN; and/or anon-public network (NPN) identifier of an NPN. At 2220, the PCF may sendto a unified data repository (UDR), a subscription request messagecomprising the PLMN identifier and the NPN identifier. At 2230, the PCFmay receive from the UDR, a subscription response message comprising acharging control information for the NPN. At 2240, the PCF may determinea charging control rule for the NPN of the PDU session based on thecharging control information. At 2250, the PCF may send to the SMF, asecond message comprising the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, the message may comprise a request forpolicy establishment for a packet data unit (PDU) session of a wirelessdevice. According to various embodiments, the NPN identifier mayidentify an NPN through which the wireless device accesses a PLMNassociated with the PLMN identifier. According to various embodiments,the subscription response message may further comprise the NPNidentifier. According to various embodiments, the determining thecharging control rule may be further based on the PLMN identifier andthe NPN identifier. According to various embodiments, the chargingcontrol rule may comprise one or more of: a charging rate for the NPN; acharging method for the NPN; and/or an address of a charging functionfor the NPN. According to various embodiments, a policy control function(PCF) may receive from a session management function (SMF), a messagecomprising a request for policy establishment for a packet data unit(PDU) session of a wireless device comprising: a public land mobilenetwork (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN; and/or a non-public network (NPN)identifier of an NPN through which the wireless device accesses thePLMN. According to various embodiments, the PCF may send to a unifieddata repository (UDR), a subscription request message comprising thePLMN identifier and the NPN identifier. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may receive from the UDR, a subscription responsemessage comprising a charging control information for the NPN. Accordingto various embodiments, the PCF may determine a charging control rulefor the NPN of the PDU session based on the charging controlinformation. According to various embodiments, the PCF may send to theSMF, a second message comprising the charging control rule. According tovarious embodiments, the charging control rule may comprise one or moreof: a charging rate for the NPN; a charging method for the NPN; and/oran address of a charging function for the NPN. According to variousembodiments, a policy control function (PCF) may receive from a sessionmanagement function (SMF), a message comprising a request for policyestablishment for a packet data unit (PDU) session of a wireless devicecomprising: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN;and/or a non-public network (NPN) identifier of an NPN through which thewireless device accesses the PLMN. According to various embodiments, thePCF may send to a unified data repository (UDR), a subscription requestmessage comprising the PLMN identifier and the NPN identifier. Accordingto various embodiments, the PCF may receive from the UDR, a subscriptionresponse message comprising a charging control information for the NPN.According to various embodiments, the PCF may determine a chargingcontrol rule for the NPN of the PDU session based on the chargingcontrol information, the PLMN identifier, and/or the NPN identifier. Thecharging control rule may comprise one or more of: a charging rate forthe NPN; a charging method for the NPN; and/or an address of a chargingfunction for the NPN. According to various embodiments, the PCF may sendto the SMF, a second message comprising the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) mayreceive from a session management function (SMF), a message comprising arequest for policy establishment for a packet data unit (PDU) session ofa wireless device comprising: a public land mobile network (PLMN)identifier of a PLMN; and a non-public network (NPN) identifier of anNPN through which the wireless device accesses the PLMN. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may send to a unified data repository(UDR), a subscription request message comprising the PLMN identifier andthe NPN identifier. According to various embodiments, the PCF mayreceive from the UDR, a subscription response message comprising acharging control information for the NPN. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may determine a charging control rule for the NPNof the PDU session based on the charging control information, the PLMNidentifier, and/or the NPN identifier. The charging control rule maycomprise one or more of: a charging rate for the NPN; a charging methodfor the NPN; and/or an address of a charging function for the NPN.According to various embodiments, the PCF may send to the SMF a secondmessage comprising the charging control rule.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure. At 2310, a charging function (CHF) may receivefrom a session management function (SMF) a charging data requestmessage. The charging data request message may comprise an identifier ofa non-public network (NPN) for a packet data unit (PDU) session. At2320, based on the identifier of the NPN, the CHF may determine a quotainformation for the NPN. At 2330, the CHF may send to the SMF, aresponse message comprising the quota information.

According to various embodiments, the quota information may comprise agranted unit for the NPN. According to various embodiments, the quotainformation may comprise a time quota threshold for the NPN. Accordingto various embodiments, the quota information may comprise a volumequota threshold for the NPN. According to various embodiments, theresponse message may further comprise the NPN identifier. According tovarious embodiments, the CHF may receive from the SMF, a second chargingrequest message comprising a resource usage for the NPN. According tovarious embodiments, a charging function (CHF) may receive from asession management function (SMF), a charging data request messagecomprising an identifier of a non-public network (NPN) for a packet dataunit (PDU) session. According to various embodiments, based on theidentifier of the NPN, the CHF may determine a quota information for theNPN. The quota information may comprise one or more of: a granted unitfor the NPN; a time quota threshold for the NPN; and a volume quotathreshold for the NPN. According to various embodiments, the CHF maysend to the SMF, a response message comprising the quota information.According to various embodiments, the response message may furthercomprise the NPN identifier.

According to various embodiments, a charging function (CHF) may receivefrom a session management function (SMF) a charging data requestmessage. The charging data request message may comprise an identifier ofa non-public network (NPN) for a packet data unit (PDU) session.According to various embodiments, based on the identifier of the NPN,the CHF may determine a quota information for the NPN. The quotainformation may comprise one or more of: a granted unit for the NPN; atime quota threshold for the NPN; and a volume quota threshold for theNPN. According to various embodiments, the CHF may send to the SMF aresponse message. The response message may comprise the quotainformation and the NPN identifier. According to various embodiments,the CHF may receive from the SMF a second charging request messagecomprising a resource usage for the NPN. According to variousembodiments, the second charging request message may comprise the NPNidentifier.

According to various embodiments, a session management function (SMF)may comprise one or more processors and memory storing instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the SMF toreceive, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), amessage comprising a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of aPLMN of a wireless device. According to various embodiments, a SMF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the SMF to send, to apolicy control function (PCF), a policy request message comprising: anon-public network (NPN) identifier of an NPN through which the wirelessdevice accesses the PLMN; and the PLMN identifier of the PLMN. Accordingto various embodiments, the SMF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the SMF to receive, from the PCF, a policy responsemessage comprising a charging control policy. According to variousembodiments, the SMF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the SMF to send to a charging function (CHF), a charging datarequest message based on the policy response message, wherein thecharging data request message may comprise the PLMN identifier.

According to various embodiments, a SMF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the SMF to send, to a policy controlfunction (PCF), a policy request message. The policy request message maycomprise a non-public network (NPN) identifier of an NPN through which awireless device accesses a public land mobile network (PLMN); and a PLMNidentifier of the PLMN. According to various embodiments, the SMF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the SMF to receive,from the PCF, a policy response message comprising a charging controlpolicy.

According to various embodiments, a SMF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the SMF to send to a policy controlfunction (PCF), a policy request message comprising: a non-publicnetwork (NPN) identifier of an NPN through which a wireless deviceaccesses a public land mobile network (PLMN); and a PLMN identifier ofthe PLMN. According to various embodiments, the SMF may comprise one ormore processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the SMF to receive from the PCF, apolicy response message comprising a charging control policy, whereinthe charging control policy may be determined based on the NPNidentifier and the PLMN identifier. According to various embodiments,the SMF may comprise one or more processors and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe SMF to send to a charging function (CHF), a charging data requestmessage based on the policy response message, wherein the charging datarequest message comprises the PLMN identifier.

According to various embodiments, a SMF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the SMF to receive from an access andmobility management function (AMF), a message comprising a wirelessdevice identifier of a wireless device, a public land mobile network(PLMN) identifier of the wireless device, a non-public network (NPN)identifier of an NPN through which the wireless device accesses thePLMN, and one or more of a data network name (DNN); a single networkslice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or a packet dataunit (PDU) session identifier.

According to various embodiments, a SMF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the SMF to send a policy request messagecomprising the wireless device identifier, the PLMN identifier, the NPNidentifier, and one or more of: the DNN; the S-NSSAI; and/or the PDUsession identifier. According to various embodiments, the SMF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the SMF to receive apolicy response message comprising the charging control policy.According to various embodiments, the SMF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the SMF to send to a charging function(CHF), a charging data request message based on the policy responsemessage, wherein the charging data request message comprises the PLMNidentifier.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to receivethe policy request message. According to various embodiments, a policycontrol function (PCF) may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to determine a charging control policy based on the NPNidentifier, the PLMN identifier, and a charging control information forthe NPN received from a unified data repository (UDR). According tovarious embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) may comprise one ormore processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the PCF to send the policy responsemessage.

According to various embodiments, a PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to receive from a sessionmanagement function (SMF), a message comprising: a public land mobilenetwork (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN; and a non-public network (NPN)identifier of an NPN. According to various embodiments, the PCF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to send to aunified data repository (UDR), a subscription request message comprisingthe PLMN identifier and the NPN identifier. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to receive from the UDR, a subscription response messagecomprising a charging control information for the NPN. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to determine a charging control rule for theNPN of the PDU session based on the charging control information.According to various embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to send to the SMF, a secondmessage comprising the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to receive, from a session management function(SMF), a message comprising a request for policy establishment for apacket data unit (PDU) session of a wireless device comprising: a publicland mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN; and a non-publicnetwork (NPN) identifier of an NPN through which the wireless deviceaccesses the PLMN. According to various embodiments, the PCF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to send to aunified data repository (UDR), a subscription request message comprisingthe PLMN identifier and the NPN identifier. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to receive from the UDR, a subscription response messagecomprising a charging control information for the NPN. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to determine a charging control rule for theNPN of the PDU session based on the charging control information.According to various embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to send to the SMF, a secondmessage comprising the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to receive, from a session management function(SMF), a message comprising a request for policy establishment for apacket data unit (PDU) session of a wireless device comprising: a publicland mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN; and a non-publicnetwork (NPN) identifier of an NPN through which the wireless deviceaccesses the PLMN. According to various embodiments, the PCF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to send to aunified data repository (UDR), a subscription request message comprisingthe PLMN identifier and the NPN identifier. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to receive from the UDR, a subscription response messagecomprising a charging control information for the NPN. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to determine a charging control rule for theNPN of the PDU session based on the charging control information, thePLMN identifier, and the NPN identifier. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to send to the SMF, a second message comprising thecharging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to receive, from a session management function(SMF), a message comprising a request for policy establishment for apacket data unit (PDU) session of a wireless device comprising: a publicland mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN; and a non-publicnetwork (NPN) identifier of an NPN through which the wireless deviceaccesses the PLMN. According to various embodiments, the PCF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to send to aunified data repository (UDR), a subscription request message comprisingthe PLMN identifier and the NPN identifier. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to receive from the UDR, a subscription response messagecomprising a charging control information for the NPN. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to determine a charging control rule for theNPN of the PDU session based on the charging control information, thePLMN identifier, and the NPN identifier wherein the charging controlrule comprises one or more of: a charging rate for the NPN; a chargingmethod for the NPN; and an address of a charging function for the NPN.According to various embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to send to the SMF, a secondmessage comprising the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a charging function (CHF) maycomprising one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the CHF to receive,from a session management function (SMF), a charging data requestmessage comprising an identifier of a non-public network (NPN) for apacket data unit (PDU) session. According to various embodiments, acharging function (CHF) may comprising one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the CHF to determine a quota information for the NPN based on theidentifier of the NPN. According to various embodiments, a chargingfunction (CHF) may comprising one or more processors and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe CHF to send to the SMF, a response message comprising the quotainformation.

According to various embodiments, a charging function (CHF) may compriseone or more processors and memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted by the one or more processors, cause the CHF to receive from asession management function (SMF), a charging data request messagecomprising an identifier of a non-public network (NPN) for a packet dataunit (PDU) session. According to various embodiments, a chargingfunction (CHF) may comprise one or more processors and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe CHF to determine a quota information for the NPN based on theidentifier of the NPN. The quota information may comprise one or moreof: a granted unit for the NPN; a time quota threshold for the NPN;and/or a volume quota threshold for the NPN. According to variousembodiments, a charging function (CHF) may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the CHF to send to the SMF a responsemessage comprising the quota information.

According to various embodiments, a session management function (SMF)may receive from an access and mobility management function (AMF), amessage comprising a closed access group identifier (CAG ID) for apacket data unit (PDU) session of a wireless device. According tovarious embodiments, the SMF may send to a policy control function(PCF), a policy request message comprising the CAG ID. According tovarious embodiments, the SMF may receive from the PCF, a policy responsemessage comprising a charging control rule. The charging control rulemay comprise: a charging rate for the CAG ID; and a charging method forthe CAG ID. According to various embodiments, based on the policyresponse message, the SMF may send to a charging function (CHF) acharging data request message, wherein the charging data request messagemay comprise the CAG ID. According to various embodiments, the CAG IDmay be applied to at least one of: the wireless device; the PDU session;a network slice; and/or a data network name (DNN); According to variousembodiments, the policy request message may further comprise at leastone of: a wireless device identifier of the wireless device; a publicland mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN of the wireless device;a data network name (DNN); a single network slice selection assistanceinformation (S-NSSAI); and/or a PDU session identifier of the PDUsession. According to various embodiments, the PCF may send to a unifieddata repository (UDR), a subscription request message for the CAG ID andthe PDU session, wherein the subscription request message comprises atleast one of: a wireless device identifier of the wireless device; apublic land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN of the wirelessdevice; a data network name (DNN); a single network slice selectionassistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or a PDU session identifier of thePDU session. According to various embodiments, the UDR may determine, acharging control information applying to at least one of: the CAG; thewireless device; the PDU session; the S-NSSAI; and/or the DNN. Accordingto various embodiments, the PCF may receive from the UDR, a subscriptionresponse message comprising at least one of: a charging controlinformation for the CAG; and/or the CAG ID. According to variousembodiments, based on the charging control information for the CAG, thePCF may determine the charging control rule for the CAG, wherein thecharging control rule comprises at least one of: the charging rate forthe CAG; the charging method for the CAG; and/or an address of acharging function for the CAG. According to various embodiments, thepolicy response message may further comprise at least one of: the CAGID; a PDU session identifier of the PDU session; and/or a single networkslice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).

According to various embodiments, the AMF may receive from a wirelessdevice, a Non-access stratum message comprising at least one of: asingle network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); a datanetwork name (DNN); and/or a PDU session identifier of the PDU session.According to various embodiments, the AMF may receive from the wirelessdevice, a Non-access stratum message comprising a PDU sessionestablishment request message, wherein the PDU session establishmentrequest message comprises at least one of: a CAG ID; and/or a PDUsession identifier of the PDU session. According to various embodiments,the charging data request message may further comprise at least one of:a wireless device identifier of the wireless device; a PDU sessionidentifier of the PDU session; and/or a single network slice selectionassistance information (S-NSSAI).According to various embodiments, basedon the CAG ID, the CHF may determine, a first quota information for theCAG, wherein the first quota information may comprise at least one of:the CAG ID; a granted unit; a time quota threshold; and/or a volumequota threshold. According to various embodiments, the CHF may send tothe SMF, a charging response message comprising the first quotainformation. According to various embodiments, the SMF may send to aUPF, a user plane message comprising at least one of: a user plane rule;and/or a CAG ID. According to various embodiments, the user plane rulemay be determined based on at least one of: quota information for theCAG received from a CHF; and/or the charging control rule for the CAGreceived from the PCF. According to various embodiments, a UPF maydetect and collect, resource usage for the CAG, wherein the resourceusage may comprise at least one of: time usage for the CAG; and/orvolume usage for the CAG. According to various embodiments, the UPF maysend to the SMF the resource usage for the CAG. According to variousembodiments, the SMF may send to the CHF a second charging requestmessage comprising the resource usage for the CAG. According to variousembodiments, based on the resource usage, the CHF may determine a secondquota information for the CAG. According to various embodiments, the CHFmay send to the SMF, a second charging response message comprising thesecond quota information.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure. At 2410, a session management function (SMF) maysend to a policy control function (PCF), a policy request messagecomprising a closed access group identifier (CAG ID) for a packet dataunit (PDU) session of a wireless device. At 2420, the SMF may receivefrom the PCF, a policy response message comprising a charging controlpolicy indicating one or more of: a charging rate for the CAG ID; and acharging method for the CAG ID. At 2430, based on the policy responsemessage, the SMF may send to a charging function (CHF), a charging datarequest message comprising the CAG ID.

According to various embodiments, the CAG ID may be for a packet dataunit (PDU) session of a wireless device. According to variousembodiments, the charging control policy may comprise a charging controlrule indicating the charging rate and the charging method. According tovarious embodiments, the SMF may receive from an access and mobilitymanagement function (AMF) a message comprising the CAG ID. According tovarious embodiments, the policy request message may further comprise atleast one of: a wireless device identifier of the wireless device; apublic land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN of the wirelessdevice; a data network name (DNN); a single network slice selectionassistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or a PDU session identifier of thePDU session. According to various embodiments, the policy responsemessage may further comprise at least one of: the CAG ID; a PDU sessionidentifier of the PDU session; and/or a single network slice selectionassistance information (S-NSSAI). According to various embodiments, theSMF may send to a UPF, a user plane message comprising at least one of:a user plane rule; and/or a CAG ID. According to various embodiments,the user plane rule may be determined based on at least one of: quotainformation for the CAG received from a charging function (CHF); and/orthe charging control rule for the CAG received from the PCF. Accordingto various embodiments, a UPF may detect and collect resource usage forthe CAG, wherein the resource usage may comprise at least one of: timeusage for the CAG; and/or volume usage for the CAG. According to variousembodiments, the UPF may send to the SMF the resource usage for the CAG.According to various embodiments, the SMF may send to the CHF a secondcharging request message comprising the resource usage for the CAG.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) mayreceive from a session management function (SMF), a policy requestmessage comprising a closed access group identifier (CAG ID) for apacket data unit (PDU) session of a wireless device. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may send to a unified data repository (UDR)a subscription request message comprising the CAG ID. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may receive from the UDR, a subscriptionresponse message comprising: the CAG ID; and charging controlinformation for the CAG ID. According to various embodiments, based onthe CAG ID and the charging control information, the PCF may determine acharging control rule for the CAG of the PDU session. The chargingcontrol rule may comprise: a charging rate for the CAG; a chargingmethod for the CAG; and an address of a charging function for the CAG.According to various embodiments, the PCF may send to the SMF a policyresponse message comprising the charging control rule. According tovarious embodiments, the policy request message may further comprise atleast one of: a wireless device identifier of the wireless device; apublic land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a PLMN of the wirelessdevice; a data network name (DNN); a single network slice selectionassistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or a PDU session identifier of thePDU session. According to various embodiments, the subscription requestmessage may comprise at least one of: a wireless device identifier ofthe wireless device; a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier of aPLMN of the wireless device; a data network name (DNN); a single networkslice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or a PDU sessionidentifier of the PDU session. According to various embodiments, the UDRmay determine, a charging control information applying to at least oneof: the CAG; the wireless device; the PDU session; the S-NSSAI; and/orthe DNN.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure. At 2510, a policy control function (PCF) mayreceive from a session management function (SMF), a policy requestmessage comprising a closed access group identifier (CAG ID). At 2520,the PCF may send to a unified data repository (UDR), a subscriptionrequest message comprising the CAG ID. At 2530, the PCF may receive fromthe UDR, a subscription response message comprising a charging controlinformation for the CAG ID. At 2540, the PCF may determine a chargingcontrol rule for the CAG of the PDU session based on the CAG ID and thecharging control information. At 2550, the PCF may send to the SMF apolicy response message comprising the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, the CAG ID may be for a packet dataunit (PDU) session of a wireless device. According to variousembodiments, the charging control rule may comprise a charging rate forthe CAG. According to various embodiments, the charging control rule maycomprise a charging method for the CAG. According to variousembodiments, the charging control rule may comprise an address of acharging function for the CAG. According to various embodiments, acharging function (CHF) may receive from a session management function(SMF) a charging data request message. The charging data request messagemay comprise a closed access group identifier (CAG ID) for a packet dataunit (PDU) session of a wireless device. According to variousembodiments, based on the CAG ID, the CHF may determine a quotainformation for the CAG, wherein the quota information may comprise atleast one of: a granted unit for the CAG; a time quota threshold for theCAG; and/or a volume quota threshold for the CAG. According to variousembodiments, the CHF may send to the SMF, a response message comprisingthe CAG ID and the quota information.

According to various embodiments, a session management function (SMF)may comprise one or more processors and memory storing instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the SMF toreceive from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a messagecomprising a closed access group identifier (CAG ID) for a packet dataunit (PDU) session of a wireless device. According to variousembodiments, the SMF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the SMF to send to a policy control function (PCF), a policyrequest message comprising the CAG ID. According to various embodiments,the SMF may comprise one or more processors and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe SMF to receive from the PCF, a policy response message comprising acharging control policy, wherein the charging control rule may comprise:a charging rate for the CAG ID; and a charging method for the CAG ID.According to various embodiments, the SMF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the SMF to send to a charging function(CHF), and based on the policy response message, a charging data requestmessage, wherein the charging data request message comprises the CAG ID.According to various embodiments, the SMF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the SMF to send to a policy controlfunction (PCF), a policy request message comprising a closed accessgroup identifier (CAG ID) for a packet data unit (PDU) session of awireless device. According to various embodiments, the SMF may compriseone or more processors and memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted by the one or more processors, cause the SMF to receive fromthe PCF, a policy response message comprising a charging control policy.The charging control policy may indicate one or more of: a charging ratefor the CAG ID; and/or a charging method for the CAG ID. According tovarious embodiments, the SMF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the SMF to send to a charging function (CHF), andbased on the policy response message, a charging data request messagecomprising the CAG ID.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to receive,from a session management function (SMF), a policy request messagecomprising a closed access group identifier (CAG ID) for a packet dataunit (PDU) session of a wireless device. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to send to a unified data repository (UDR), a subscriptionrequest message comprising the CAG ID. According to various embodiments,the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe PCF to receive from the UDR, a subscription response messagecomprising: the CAG ID; and charging control information for the CAG ID.According to various embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to determine a charging controlrule for the CAG of the PDU session based on the CAG ID and the chargingcontrol information. The charging control rule may comprise: a chargingrate for the CAG; a charging method for the CAG; and an address of acharging function for the CAG. According to various embodiments, the PCFmay comprise one or more processors and memory storing instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to sendto the SMF, a policy response message comprising the charging controlrule.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to receivefrom a session management function (SMF), a policy request messagecomprising a closed access group identifier (CAG ID). According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to send to a unified data repository (UDR), asubscription request message comprising the CAG ID. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to receive from the UDR, a subscription response messagecomprising a charging control information for the CAG ID. According tovarious embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to determine a charging control rule for theCAG of the PDU session based on the CAG ID and the charging controlinformation. According to various embodiments, the PCF may comprise oneor more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executedby the one or more processors, cause the PCF to send to the SMF, apolicy response message comprising the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a charging function (CHF) may compriseone or more processors and memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted by the one or more processors, cause the CHF to receive, from asession management function (SMF), a charging data request messagecomprising a closed access group identifier (CAG ID) for a packet dataunit (PDU) session of a wireless device. According to variousembodiments, the CHF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the CHF to determine, based on the CAG ID, a quota information forthe CAG, wherein the quota information may comprise at least one of: agranted unit for the CAG; a time quota threshold for the CAG; and/or avolume quota threshold for the CAG. According to various embodiments,the CHF may comprise one or more processors and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe CHF to send to the SMF, a response message comprising the CAG ID andthe quota information.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram as per an aspect of an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure. At 2610, a session management function (SMF) mayreceive from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a firstmessage comprising: a closed access group identifier (CAG ID); a publicland mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a wireless device; and anon-public network (NPN) identifier through which the wireless deviceaccesses the PLMN. At 2620, the SMF may send to a policy controlfunction (PCF), a policy request message comprising: the CAG ID; thePLMN identifier; and the NPN identifier. At 2630, the SMF may receivefrom the PCF, a policy response message comprising a charging controlpolicy. At 2640, the SMF may send to a charging function (CHF) acharging data request message based on the policy response message. Thecharging data request message may comprise the CAG ID; the PLMNidentifier; and/or the NPN identifier.

According to various embodiments, the charging control policy may bedetermined based on at least one of: the CAG ID; the PLMN identifier;and/or the NPN identifier. According to various embodiments, the firstmessage may further comprise at least one of: a wireless deviceidentifier; a data network name (DNN); a single network slice selectionassistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or a packet data unit (PDU)session identifier (ID). According to various embodiments, the firstmessage may further comprise a PDU session establishment requestmessage, wherein the PDU session establishment request message maycomprises at least one of: the CAG ID; the PLMN identifier; the NPNidentifier; and/or a packet data unit (PDU) session identifier.According to various embodiments, the CAG ID and/or the NPN identifiermay be applied to at least one of: the wireless device; the PDU sessionidentified by the PDU session identifier; a network slice identified bythe S-NSSAI; and/or the DNN. According to various embodiments, thepolicy request message may further comprise at least one of: an identityof the wireless device; a data network name (DNN); a single networkslice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); and/or a packet dataunit (PDU) session identifier. According to various embodiments, the PCFmay send to a unified data repository (UDR), a subscription requestmessage for a NPN, a closed access group identifier (CAG ID) or a packetdata unit (PDU) session, wherein the subscription request message maycomprises at least one of: the CAG ID; the NPN identifier; the PLMNidentifier; a wireless device identifier; a PDU session identifier;and/or a single network slice selection assistance information(S-NSSAI). According to various embodiments, the UDR may determine, acharging control information applying to at least one of: the CAG; theNPN; the wireless device; the PDU session; the S-NSSAI; and/or the DNN.According to various embodiments, the PCF may receive from the UDR, asubscription response message comprising at least one of: a chargingcontrol information for the NPN; a charging control information for theCAG; the CAG ID; and/or the identifier of the NPN. According to variousembodiments, based on the charging control information for the NPN, thePCF may determine a charging control rule for the NPN, wherein thecharging control rule may comprise at least one of: a charging rate forthe NPN; a charging method for the NPN; and/or an address of a chargingfunction for the NPN. According to various embodiments, based on thecharging control information for the CAG, the PCF may determine acharging control rule for the CAG, wherein the charging control rule maycomprise at least one of: a charging rate for the CAG; a charging methodfor the CAG; and/or an address of a charging function for the CAG.According to various embodiments, the PCF may send to the SMF, a policyresponse message comprising at least one of: the charging control rulefor the NPN; the charging control rule for the CAG; the NPN identifier;the CAG identifier; the PDU session identifier; and/or the S-NSSAI.According to various embodiments, the AMF may receive from the wirelessdevice, a Non-access stratum message comprising at least one of: aS-NSSAI; a DNN; and/or a PDU session identifier. According to variousembodiments, the AMF may receive from the wireless device, a Non-accessstratum message comprising a PDU session establishment request message,wherein the PDU session establishment request message may comprise atleast one of: the NPN identifier; the CAG ID; and/or a PDU sessionidentifier. According to various embodiments, the charging data requestmessage may further comprise at least one of: a wireless deviceidentifier; a PDU session identifier; and/or a single network sliceselection assistance information (S-NSSAI). According to variousembodiments, based on the CAG ID, the CHF may determine a first quotainformation for the CAG, wherein the first quota information maycomprise at least one of: the CAG ID; a granted unit; a time quotathreshold; and/or a volume quota threshold. According to variousembodiments, based on the identifier of the NPN, the CHF may determine afirst quota information for the NPN, wherein the first quota informationmay comprise at least one of: the NPN identifier; a granted unit; a timequota threshold; and/or a volume quota threshold. According to variousembodiments, the CHF may send to the SMF, a charging response messagecomprising the first quota information. According to variousembodiments, the SMF may send to a UPF, a user plane message comprisingat least one of: a user plane rule; the NPN identifier; and/or the CAGID. According to various embodiments, the UPF may detect and collect,resource usage for the NPN or the CAG, wherein the resource usage maycomprise at least one of: time usage for the NPN; volume usage for theNPN; time usage for the CAG; and/or volume usage for the CAG. Accordingto various embodiments, the UPF may send to the SMF, the resource usagefor the NPN or CAG. According to various embodiments, the SMF may sendto the CHF, a second charging request message comprising the resourceusage for the NPN or the CAG.

According to various embodiments, a session management function (SMF)may comprise one or more processors and memory storing instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the SMF toreceive, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a firstmessage comprising: a closed access group identifier (CAG ID); a publicland mobile network (PLMN) identifier of a wireless device; and anon-public network (NPN) identifier through which the wireless deviceaccesses the PLMN. According to various embodiments, the SMF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the SMF to send to apolicy control function (PCF), a policy request message comprising: theCAG ID; the PLMN identifier; and the NPN identifier. According tovarious embodiments, the SMF may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the SMF to receive from the PCF, a policy responsemessage comprising a charging control policy. According to variousembodiments, the SMF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the SMF to send to a charging function (CHF), a charging datarequest message based on the policy response message, wherein thecharging data request message may comprise: the CAG ID; the PLMNidentifier; and the NPN identifier.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) mayreceive from an application function (AF), a service informationprovisional message, the service information provisional message maycomprise: an identifier of a non-public network (NPN); an identifier ofservice provider public land mobile network identifier (SP PLMN); anidentifier of a wireless device; service information for the wirelessdevice; a UE IP address; and/or a DNN. According to various embodiments,the PCF may map the identifier of the SP PLMN and the serviceinformation to a packet data unit (PDU) session based on: the identifierof the NPN; the identifier of the wireless device; the UE IP address;and/or the DNN. According to various embodiments, the PCF may determinea charging control rule for the NPN and the SP PLMN, wherein thecharging control rule may comprise: a charging rate for the NPN and theSP PLMN; a charging method for NPN and the SP PLMN; and/or an address ofa charging function for the NPN and the SP PLMN. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may send to the SMF the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to receive,from an application function (AF), a service information provisionalmessage, the service information provisional message comprises: anidentifier of a non-public network (NPN); an identifier of serviceprovider public land mobile network identifier (SP PLMN); an identifierof a wireless device; service information for the wireless device; a UEIP address; and/or a DNN. According to various embodiments, the PCF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to map theidentifier of the SP PLMN and the service information, to a packet dataunit (PDU) session, based on: the identifier of the NPN; the identifierof the wireless device; the UE IP address; and the DNN. According tovarious embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) may comprise one ormore processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the PCF to determine a chargingcontrol rule for the NPN and the SP PLMN, wherein the charging controlrule may comprise: a charging rate for the NPN and the SP PLMN; acharging method for NPN and the SP PLMN; and/or an address of a chargingfunction for the NPN and the SP PLMN. According to various embodiments,a policy control function (PCF) may comprise one or more processors andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the PCF to send to the SMF, the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) mayreceive from an application function (AF), a service informationprovisional message, the service information provisional message maycomprise: an identifier of a close access group (CAG ID); an identifierof a service provider public land mobile network (SP PLMN); anidentifier of a wireless device; service information for the wirelessdevice; a UE IP address; and/or a DNN. According to various embodiments,the PCF may map the identifier of the SP PLMN and the serviceinformation to a packet data unit (PDU) session, based on: the CAG ID;the identifier of the wireless device; the UE IP address; and/or theDNN. According to various embodiments, the PCF may determine a chargingcontrol rule for the CAG and the SP PLMN, wherein the charging controlrule may comprise: a charging rate for the CAG and the SP PLMN; acharging method for the CAG and the SP PLMN; and/or an address of acharging function for the CAG and the SP PLMN. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may send to the SMF, the charging control rule.

According to various embodiments, a policy control function (PCF) maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to receive,from an application function (AF), a service information provisionalmessage, the service information provisional message may comprise: anidentifier of a close access group (CAG ID); an identifier of a serviceprovider public land mobile network (SP PLMN); an identifier of awireless device; service information for the wireless device; a UE IPaddress; and/or a DNN. According to various embodiments, the PCF maycomprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the PCF to map theidentifier of the SP PLMN and the service information, to a packet dataunit (PDU) session, based on: the CAG ID; the identifier of the wirelessdevice; the UE IP address; and/or the DNN. According to variousembodiments, the PCF may comprise one or more processors and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the PCF to determine a charging control rule for the CAG and theSP PLMN, wherein the charging control rule may comprise: a charging ratefor the CAG and the SP PLMN; a charging method for the CAG and the SPPLMN; and/or an address of a charging function for the CAG and the SPPLMN. According to various embodiments, the PCF may comprise one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the PCF to send to the SMF, the chargingcontrol rule.

In this specification, “a” and “an” and similar phrases are to beinterpreted as “at least one” and “one or more.” In this specification,the term “may” is to be interpreted as “may, for example.” In otherwords, the term “may” is indicative that the phrase following the term“may” is an example of one of a multitude of suitable possibilities thatmay, or may not, be employed to one or more of the various Examples. IfA and B are sets and every of A is an element of B, A is called a subsetof B. In this specification, only non-empty sets and subsets areconsidered. For example, possible subsets of B = {cell1, cell2} are:{cell1}, {cell2}, and {cell1, cell2}.

In this specification, various Examples are disclosed. Limitations,features, and/or elements from the disclosed example Examples may becombined to create further Examples within the scope of the disclosure.

In this specification, various Examples are disclosed. Limitations,features, and/or elements from the disclosed example Examples may becombined to create further Examples within the scope of the disclosure.

In this specification, parameters (Information elements: IEs) maycomprise one or more objects, and one of those objects may comprise oneor more other objects. For example, if parameter (IE) N comprisesparameter (IE) M, and parameter (IE) M comprises parameter (IE) K, andparameter (IE) K comprises parameter (information element) J, then, forexample, N comprises K, and N comprises J. In an example, when one ormore messages comprise a plurality of parameters, it implies that aparameter in the plurality of parameters is in at least one of the oneor more messages, but does not have to be in one of the one or moremessages.

Many of the elements described in the disclosed Examples may beimplemented as modules. A module is defined here as an isolatableelement that performs a defined function and has a defined interface toother elements. The modules described in this disclosure may beimplemented in hardware, software in combination with hardware,firmware, wetware (e.g. hardware with a biological element) or acombination thereof, some of which are behaviorally equivalent. Forexample, modules may be implemented as a software routine written in acomputer language configured to be executed by a hardware machine (suchas C, C++, Fortran, Java, Basic, Matlab or the like) or amodeling/simulation program such as Simulink, Stateflow, GNU Octave, orLabVIEWMathScript. Additionally, it may be possible to implement modulesusing physical hardware that incorporates discrete or programmableanalog, digital and/or quantum hardware. Examples of programmablehardware comprise: computers, microcontrollers, microprocessors,application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs); and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).Computers, microcontrollers and microprocessors are programmed usinglanguages such as assembly, C, C++ or the like. FPGAs, ASICs and CPLDsare often programmed using hardware description languages (HDL) such asVHSIC hardware description language (VHDL) or Verilog that configureconnections between internal hardware modules with lesser functionalityon a programmable device. Finally, it needs to be emphasized that theabove mentioned technologies are often used in combination to achievethe result of a functional module.

The disclosure of this patent document incorporates material which issubject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection tothe facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or thepatent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Officepatent file or records, for the limited purposes required by law, butotherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

While various Examples have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example, and notlimitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevantart(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading theabove description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevantart(s) how to implement alternative Examples. Thus, the present Examplesshould not be limited by any of the above described exemplary Examples.In particular, it should be noted that, for example purposes, the aboveexplanation has focused on the example(s) using 5G AN. However, oneskilled in the art will recognize that Examples of the invention may beimplemented in a system comprising one or more legacy systems or LTE.The disclosed methods and systems may be implemented in wireless orwireline systems. The features of various Examples presented in thisinvention may be combined. One or many features (method or system) ofone Example may be implemented in other Examples. A limited number ofexample combinations are shown to indicate to one skilled in the art thepossibility of features that may be combined in various Examples tocreate enhanced transmission and reception systems and methods.

In addition, it should be understood that any figures which highlightthe functionality and advantages, are presented for example purposes.The disclosed architecture is sufficiently flexible and configurable,such that it may be utilized in ways other than that shown. For example,the actions listed in any flowchart may be re-ordered or optionally usedin some examples.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to enable theU.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, andespecially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art whoare not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure of the application. The Abstract of the Disclosureis not intended to be limiting as to the scope in any way.

Finally, it is the applicant’s intent that only claims that include theexpress language “means for” or “step for” be interpreted under 35U.S.C. 112. Claims that do not expressly include the phrase “means for”or “step for” are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: sending, by a sessionmanagement function (SMF) to a policy control function (PCF), a policyrequest message comprising: a network identifier for a non-publicnetwork (NPN); and a PLMN identifier for the NPN; and receiving, by theSMF from the PCF, a policy response message comprising a chargingcontrol policy.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the NPN comprises astand-alone NPN (SNPN).
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving, by the SMF from an access and mobility management function(AMF), a message comprising one or more of the network identifier andthe PLMN identifier.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the messagecomprises at least one of: a data network name (DNN); a single networkslice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); and a packet data unit(PDU) session identifier.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the sendingthe policy request message is based on the receiving the message fromthe AMF.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, by theSMF to a charging function, a charging data request message based on thepolicy response message.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the chargingdata request message comprises the PLMN identifier.
 8. A sessionmanagement function (SMF), comprising: one or more processors; andmemory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the SMF to perform operations comprising: sending, toa policy control function (PCF), a policy request message comprising: anetwork identifier for a non-public network (NPN); and a PLMN identifierfor the NPN; and receiving, by the SMF from the PCF, a policy responsemessage comprising a charging control policy.
 9. The SMF of claim 8,wherein the NPN comprises a stand-alone NPN (SNPN).
 10. The SMF of claim8, wherein the operations further comprise receiving, from an access andmobility management function (AMF), a message comprising one or more ofthe network identifier and the PLMN identifier.
 11. The SMF of claim 10,wherein the message comprises at least one of: a data network name(DNN); a single network slice selection assistance information(S-NSSAI); and a packet data unit (PDU) session identifier.
 12. The SMFof claim 10, wherein the sending the policy request message is based onthe receiving the message from the AMF.
 13. The SMF of claim 8, whereinthe operations further comprise sending, to a charging function, acharging data request message based on the policy response message. 14.The SMF of claim 13, wherein the charging data request message comprisesthe PLMN identifier.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumcomprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors,cause a session management function (SMF) to perform operationscomprising: sending, to a policy control function (PCF), a policyrequest message comprising: a network identifier for a non-publicnetwork (NPN); and a PLMN identifier for the NPN; and receiving, by theSMF from the PCF, a policy response message comprising a chargingcontrol policy.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, whereinthe NPN comprises a stand-alone NPN (SNPN).
 17. The computer-readablemedium of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise receiving,from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a messagecomprising one or more of the network identifier and the PLMNidentifier.
 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein themessage comprises at least one of: a data network name (DNN); a singlenetwork slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); and a packetdata unit (PDU) session identifier.
 19. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 17, wherein the sending the policy request message is based on thereceiving the message from the AMF.
 20. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the operations further comprise sending, to a chargingfunction, a charging data request message based on the policy responsemessage.